I’m embarking on a new chapter: starting my business. This isn’t my first venture, though. I’ve previously run businesses as a notary, wedding officiant, tax preparer, and life insurance educator. Most of my clients came through word of mouth, and I’ve always enjoyed connecting with and educating others. But this new step feels different—it’s bigger, more intentional, and the stakes feel higher.

To give a little background: I’ve been in school, literally, since kindergarten. There hasn’t been a single break, and as some would say, I’ve become a “professional student.” And honestly, I love it. I love learning, growing, and most importantly, empowering others to chase their dreams and step into their confidence.

Yet, despite everything I’ve accomplished, I’m still intimidated by fear.

What is fear, really? According to Webster, it’s “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or is a threat.” Now, logically, starting a business shouldn’t cause me pain—unless I fail, right? Even then, it’s not a pain I can’t overcome. But what stands out most to me is the phrase “caused by the belief.”

It’s my own belief that creates this unpleasant emotion, this fear. It’s not necessarily the reality of what’s in front of me, but rather what I believecould happen. And if fear is rooted in belief, then the power to overcome it must be rooted in shifting that belief.

I now know I need to believe I will succeed. When people used to tell me, “What you speak is what you believe,” I didn’t always agree. But as I’ve aged, I’ve realized how true that statement is. Science has even proven that the mind can manifest what we believe and speak into existence (but that’s a topic for another time).

So, the question is, what do I truly believe? And what does fear mean to you?

What beliefs are holding you back in your career or your personal journey?