I recently read something that prescribes that we should regularly challenge ourselves to try things that are uncomfortable or even something that really scares us. As an ambivert, I am a calculated risk-taker and don’t crave discomfort, but I do love change and crave growth. I enjoy diving into topics or being in a room of experts in an area that I have limited knowledge.
In a survey commissioned by Weebly, Wakefield Research found that one-third of Americans are more afraid to start their own business than to jump out of a plane. When 2024 started, I had no intention of starting my own business. That has never been a personal goal because it has always scared me – the financial insecurity, the fear of failure. In 2023, I did jump out of a plane (that's me in the photo), so in a moment last year when I found I wasn’t living my values or purpose, I decided to conquer my entrepreneurial fear.
I am comfortable in the CHRO role as a strategic partner in shaping organizational culture, driving talent management, and aligning workforce strategies with business goals to foster growth and innovation. While I am confident in that role and believe I am good at helping leadership teams navigate growth and change successfully, jumping into small business ownership with P3 HR Solutions has truly been a leap of faith.
When it comes to risk, I lean toward introversion and do not act impulsively. In making this decision, I kept in mind the mantra: Start from where you are and build on that to get to where you want to be!
As a professional, I believe in continually honing my skills – the same way athletes do. In 2023, I went through a 6-month executive coaching program that helped me break down my values, my purpose and my drivers. I also explored what I want to do in my (eventual) retirement. I used this work as my foundation. The next step I took was tapping into my extensive network for advice, insights, and lessons learned while building my company and preparing for launch.
“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jumping out of that plane was more adventurous and exhilarating than frightening! I kept these feelings in mind when I took the leap to launch P3 HR Solutions. Trying what scares you… I strongly recommend it! While breaking out of your comfort zone will create stress, the payoff can be life changing. Benefits to leaving your comfort zone and doing what scares you:
- The freedom and fulfillment of stepping outside of your bubble
- Embracing experiences for personal or professional growth
- Recognizing your capabilities and becoming more productive
- Strengthening your bravery builds confidence
- Enhancing your ability to manage change
- Opening yourself to innovation and creativity
Sol LeWitt said to stop doubting – if you fear, make it work for you. Identify where your fears lie. Is it money, knowledge, perception, time? Fear of failure?
Since my launch, I have been busy – working with great companies across a variety of industries and incredible people who are focused on creating success through their “human resources” (their people). I’ve learned a lot about myself and business as well:
- Set attainable goals but also stretch yourself
- Be ready for obstacles (my Mom calls obstacles “character builders”)
- Focus on your business community (for me, HR) and continue networking
- Make business development a weekly “to do”
- Get laser focused and avoid distractions
I view change as positive. This is a result from my childhood: I became accustomed to new schools – fitting into an unknown environment, building new relationships and, in general, proving myself. I was taught that each change was the opportunity for a new adventure which often led to unexpected outcomes and personal growth. Overcoming my entrepreneurial fears was not easy but I harnessed the “new adventure” and leaned on the great support from some phenomenal people.
