I recently hosted a teleclass in which a participant shared a story about how, after running her own successful small business for many years, was joining forces with a peer she admired. While she felt excited and positive about the change overall, she was wrestling with feelings of fear and sadness at the same time. She even apologized for crying on the call.

After reassuring her that crying was more than okay (after all, you are releasing energy), we talked about how, when we are facing big changes – like when you’re shifting your small business (or letting a piece of it go, like my caller was) – it can feel like you’re letting a piece of yourself go. And that can feel a little scary.

To work through that fear, I’ve found it’s helpful first to grieve for what you’re leaving behind – because even though you know the impending change will bring you good things, it helps to acknowledge the passing of what will no longer be. And whether you grieve by crying or some other method, I think that sometimes we just cry because there is a yearning inside that is so strong that it creates energy. That energy vibrates on a level that we label as the emotion of sadness. It’s healthy to let the energy move.

The other invaluable tool for dealing with fear and change is to work with a coach or a mastermind group. Everyone deals with fear on some level – even when the change you are creating in your business is overdue, or you’re positive it’s right on target. At some point, those little fears can start to creep in – and that’s a sure sign that you could benefit from some belief work with a coach or mastermind, to help you work through it. Remember, doing it alone is the hard way!

Now this is what I love about our interactive teleclasses: much later in the call, another woman piped up with some wonderful words for the first woman whose time as a solopreneur was coming to an end. She said, “Think of it as your child going off to college. You’re moving to another place in your life, which is wonderful. But letting go of your child is scary.”

Then came the kicker: “But you will be you wherever you go, and you’ll bring your gifts with you,” she said. I love it!

Bottom line, we all have fears to overcome. And rather than keeping your head down and trying to blast through it, it can be helpful to stop and “acknowledge and release” the energy behind your fears. Remind yourself of why you’re in business, and of the unique gifts you bring to the world. Remember that the world needs you!

Have you been putting off making a necessary change in your small business? Do you think fear is playing a role in that decision? Are you ready to let go of what was, and embrace what will be?

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit