As you scale to seven and eight figures, the stakes get higher. Decisions involve more money, more people, and more visibility. It’s natural for fear of failure to creep in—but at this level, fear can manifest in ways that hold you back: overthinking, procrastination, or sticking to what feels safe instead of pursuing bold, strategic moves.
The truth? Fear of failure doesn’t disappear as you grow—it evolves. The key is learning to manage it so it doesn’t manage you. Here’s how to handle fear of failure and lead boldly at higher levels. And the truth of the matter is that fear is an indication that your next level is present. And when you understand fear this way, it can be the game changer you need to accelerate your growth and success.
1. Reframe Failure as Feedback
Fear often stems from associating failure with personal inadequacy. Reframe it as data to help you improve.
- Ask, “What Can I Learn?”: Every setback holds valuable insights. Focus on the lessons rather than the loss.
- Celebrate Experiments: Treat bold moves as experiments, not final verdicts. Whether they succeed or fail, they provide clarity for your next step.
- Redefine Success: Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about taking consistent action aligned with your vision.
Millions Tip: Keep a journal of lessons learned from past failures. Review it regularly to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.
2. Manage the Fear by Taking Action
Fear grows in the space of inaction. The fastest way to shrink it is to move forward.
- Start Small: Break big decisions into smaller, manageable steps. Taking the first step reduces overwhelm and builds momentum.
- Focus on Progress: Shift your mindset from “getting it perfect” to “getting it done.” Progress leads to clarity and confidence.
- Take Calculated Risks: Evaluate the potential upside of a decision versus the risk. If the reward outweighs the cost, take the leap.
Millions Tip: Create a “next best move” list for each goal. When fear arises, focus on just the next step instead of the entire journey.
3. Normalize Failure at Higher Levels
The bigger the goals, the bigger the challenges. At higher levels, failure isn’t a sign of inadequacy—it’s proof you’re playing at the edge of your potential.
- Learn from Other Leaders: Seek out stories of successful CEOs who’ve failed and rebounded. Their experiences can normalize failure as part of growth.
- Build a Resilient Mindset: Develop a habit of self-affirmation. Remind yourself of past wins and your ability to navigate challenges.
- Focus on the Big Picture: Failure is often a short-term event within a long-term journey. Keep your eyes on the end goal.
Millions Tip: Join a peer group or mastermind where leaders openly discuss challenges and failures. It creates a safe space for vulnerability and growth.
4. Mitigate Fear with Preparation
Fear often stems from uncertainty. The more prepared you are, the less intimidating risks will feel.
- Do Your Homework: Gather data, run projections, or consult experts before making big decisions. Preparation builds confidence.
- Have a Plan B: Knowing you have a backup plan can make bold moves feel less risky.
- Build a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and team members who can guide and support you.
Millions Tip: Preparation doesn’t mean perfection. Avoid over-preparing as a form of procrastination.
5. Lead with Courage, Not Fear
As the CEO, your team looks to you for confidence and direction. Managing your fear isn’t just for you—it’s for them.
- Be Transparent: Acknowledge challenges without projecting fear onto your team. Share your vision and strategies with confidence.
- Model Resilience: Show your team how to navigate setbacks by staying solution-focused and optimistic.
- Celebrate Bold Moves: Reward your team (and yourself) for taking calculated risks, even if they don’t lead to immediate success.
Millions Tip: Create a culture where risk-taking and learning from failure are celebrated, not punished.
Why This Matters
Fear of failure is natural, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Learning to manage fear is what separates great leaders from average ones. It’s what allows you to pursue big opportunities, make bold decisions, and scale with confidence.
The bottom line? Fear is completely normal. It’s your ego’s attempt to keep you safe. However, fear is not something that should cause you to abandon your goal to leverage and scale your business to the next level. In fact, fear should excite you because it’s an indication that your next level of growth is present.
This week, take one step toward handling fear of failure more effectively. Whether it’s reframing a setback, taking bold action, or preparing for a risk, remember: your ability to lead boldly is what drives your business forward.
Read to shift out of fear and into the freedom of scaling to 7 figures and beyond, here’s how we can help:
- Grab a copy of Move to Millions: The Proven Framework to Become a Million Dollar CEO with Grace & Ease Instead of Hustle & Grind available on Audible and paperback wherever you love to buy books or www.movetomillionsbook.com
- Register to join us at Move to Millions® Live 2025: BIGGER. Move to Millions® Live is the must-attend event for 7-Figure CEOs in the making, ready to ELEVATE their soul and strategy while gaining next level insights on tightening the core systems and leadership skills indicative of a sustainable 7-figure company regardless of what’s happening in the world. Learn more and secure your seat at www.movetomillionsevent.com
- Don’t want to wait until May for flexing your leadership muscle? Apply to work with us in one of our Haus of Millions Business Advisory Programs. Learn more today at www.hausofmillions.com
