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1-Page Summary of Start Something That Matters
Overview
Many people dream of starting their own business, but they don’t take the necessary steps to make it happen.
Most of us are scared to start new businesses. We think we don’t have enough resources, or that our business won’t be successful.
We often give up on our dreams because of fear. We don’t want to take risks and feel that we aren’t good enough. This article will teach you how to overcome your fears, deal with challenges, and succeed in business while still making the world a better place for everyone.
In this passage, you’ll learn how to take other people’s business cards and use them for your own purposes; why your employees should be rewarded for making mistakes so that they can improve their performance; and why it’s important to let bad things happen in order to avoid future problems.
Big Idea #1: Fear is totally natural – but it can have a damaging effect on our lives when it goes unchecked.
Each of us has moments where we feel afraid. It’s natural to experience fear because it helps keep us safe from danger.
Fear arises when we encounter a situation that we don’t know how to deal with.
Most people have fears that prevent them from doing things they want to do. For example, someone who is afraid of airplanes will avoid flying or go out of their way to find an alternative means of transportation. In our society, we don’t like talking about these fears because it can make us feel embarrassed and ashamed. But when we don’t talk about what we’re scared of, it often prevents us from overcoming those fears and living a full life.
To overcome a fear, you must confront and combat it. If you don’t do that, then the fear will prevent you from moving forward with your life.
A man who’s scared of flying might miss out on family vacations, interesting conferences and job opportunities.
Some people hold on to their fears. However, that fear is not worth it because they might lose something as a result of holding their fear in. In addition, some famous leaders have said “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Big Idea #2: If you want to overcome a fear, start by identifying it.
Overcome your fears by facing them. Just do what you’re scared of and let the consequences be whatever they may.
It is scary to speak in public. It can feel like a threat when you’re afraid of what people will think about you if they hear your speech.
When we finally face our fears, though, we find that they’re not as bad as we thought.
For example, some people are afraid of dogs. They avoid them whenever they see one. If someone were to pet a dog and realize that most dogs aren’t dangerous at all, then they would be able to confront their fear about this issue. To do so, first make a list of reasons why you’re scared of the situation and then take action by petting an animal in your life with which you’re comfortable.
The author was initially scared of starting a business in Argentina. He didn’t have any experience, and he wasn’t sure if it would succeed or not. But instead of letting his fear stop him, he made a list to remind himself what he was afraid of and what the worst thing that could happen would be if those fears came true.
An entrepreneur was worried about whether or not people would buy his company’s shoes. If they didn’t, he’d lose all of the money and time he invested in it.
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It would have been a terrible outcome, but after thinking about it for a while, he realized that even if things had gone badly, he still wouldn’t have lost anything. He’d still come out of the situation with all the skills and experiences he gained from it. So what was there to be afraid of?
