There are seven universal fears, and you can recognize and overcome them. Once the 'cycle of fear' is broken, you can discover what you are really good at and what you have a passion for. And that is what success is made of.

1. Fear of Inadequacy - What if I fail?   This is one of the two strongest fears. Rather than acknowledge weakness, the person who fears inadequacy does everything they can to hide their weaknesses. They try to be the best at everything. They do not evaluate their talents because they are too focussed on being perfect. Weaknesses are ignored. Solution: Recognize your weaknesses and hire someone else to do that. Free yourself to do what you do well.

2. Fear of Rejection - What if my customers don't want what I have to offer?   The fear of rejection is the second strongest fear that influences people. More the province of the employed executive, this fear still plays on a new business owner. Eager for approval, the executive is unwilling to contradict their boss, and the business owner is unwilling to contradict the customer and/or their employee. The need for approval can become so strong that it supersedes the desire to do good business. Solution: Be fair to your employees and customers, but remember that you can best serve them both by being successful in your business.

3. Fear of Scarcity - What if I don't have enough money/customers/product?   The person who fears scarcity is afraid of not having enough resources to be successful. They are reluctant to take risks, and often miss opportunities for growth. Frightened of change, they try to stop any attempt at change. Solution: There is not just one way to make a business profitable. You may run out of one resource, but there is always another resource that can be substituted.

4. Fear of Reality - Isn't there a quick fix?   When problems within an organization start to threaten the business, you must take action. Rather than study the problem, the executive who fears reality would rather get someone else to provide a quick fix. Solution: Take charge. If you feel weak and vulnerable, you will be, but if you show confidence in your abilities, at the very least you will learn something - you may even solve the problem.

5. Fear of the Unknown - What is lurking out there?   Venturing into unknown territory carries risk. But if you refuse to face reality, you will be stuck making buggy whips in the automobile age. Solution: Continually think about the business of engaging reality, not avoiding it. Think about future scenerios of your business - a few 'what ifs'. This is the essence of the business owner's job, after all!

6. Fear of Authority - What if I break the rules?   Even in your own business, where you are the boss, it is easy to fall into this trap. Fear of government authority, the license board, the landlord, your suppliers. Solution: Believe that no-on can change your talents. Who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing is firmly planted within you and is always under your control.

7. Fear of Aging - What if I become obsolete?   Many worry that as they grow older, they will become obsolete. Many a new business was not started because of this fear. Becoming obsolete is a choice, not a product of aging. Solution: Never stop learning. The practice that comes with age enhances your talents. It takes a great deal to rattle the cage of someone who has had a long career. That kind of wisdom and experience is priceless. You are limited by your age only to the extent that you believe your age limits you.