Feel the Fear (and do it anyway)
Fear is an inevitable part of life. It appears in moments of uncertainty, change and opportunity. But what if I told you that fear doesn’t have to hold you back? In fact, fear can be a tool to propel you toward growth, success, and fulfillment. As businesspersons the fear of failure is a constant or sometimes the fear of the unknown.
Provided by Abel Simpson
Photo by Benjamin Wedemeyer
Getting Started
My short presentation this morning will focus on our (Gladys and I) experience setting up shop in our Capital City Belmopan. I trust you may find a nugget or 2 that may help in your business and encourage you as you move on to the next stage in your personal life or business... I’d like to take time to acknowledge my business partner, best friend, confidant, and wife all wrapped up in one neat package Gladys! Also want to preface my presentation in stating the “all that we have achieved so far and will achieve in the future are all because of the mercies of God. He get all the credit!
My wife and I moved to Belmopan in Dec 2012 with very little in personal possessions but with a burning desire to succeed in our little business ‘Simpson’s Insurance Agency’. I was a full-time insurance agent representing 2 companies and my wife an accountant with one of the Resort in the San Ignacio area. My staff at the time include a personal assistant and myself. We have an annex at home measuring 360 square feet, space just enough for 2 desks and a few cabinets but yes, we were in business. My wife got pregnant and somehow by the time the baby came I had sold her on the idea of leaving her job in San Ignacio with the security of a paycheck and join the agency which its only revenues was monthly commissions based on sales… I could sense that she wasn’t all that enthused at the time but being close to home with a young baby, I guess kinda blinded her to the possibility of a pay cut or none at all. It was bumpy at the beginning but being a person of faith, we prayed, worked and kept trusting the process.
First Steps
Our first break came in 2016 when we were offered to be the principal representatives for Guardian General Insurance Company in Belize! Whilst we were excited for the opportunity to move from being mere agents for a local Company to now representing a major Regional Company as its Principals being responsible for its entire operations was frightening to say the least, but we were up for the challenge! Sometimes you must step out in faith and trust the process! None of us had any idea at the time what all it entailed! Starting our day in the wee hours of the morning and many nights working deep in the night; It was hard work, still is; however we were wise to hire help to assist in carrying the load (no man/woman is an island) you need to get help as needed.
We needed more space and more persons, so having outgrown our little cubicle at home we decided to rent a bigger space to accommodate 4 other persons. Now having to meet rent, utilities and an increasing payroll was frightening but we did it the first month and then the second and we just kept going… What ever it is ‘Get started and gain momentum!’ After a while we figured hmm we can handle this. Now to the next stage.
We did not want to keep renting office space for too long and so we started looking for land to purchase for our office building. We kept looking and looking during our morning walks, eventually, I located a parcel in the area between the Atlantic bank and university of Belize, but the price was I thought way out of our budget so we kept looking. One morning as we were getting off Constitution Drive to turn to our lane close to our house, Gladys looks at me excitedly and says – ‘There is our land’! A beautiful flat piece of land which I was sure was more than an acre in the center of Belmopan.
But … WE CANNOT AFFORD IT!
I quickly objected stating that if the one we looked at earlier less that half its size was out of my pay range then how can we afford one double or triple the size up front and on the main~! I started objecting – FEAR; but then she said something that hit me square on the face ‘You are the one always quoting Les Brown – Think Big!’ to which I quickly replied, yes, but this is HUGE! Again, limited thinking. We all have these moments when we will face doubts and fear that if we’re not careful can paralyze us into inaction. But that is just the moment that we need to act! The contact number was on the for-sale sign – She said I think you should call the number (and her tone did not sound like a suggestion) I started to suggest that we should think about it and call later – I was stalling because of Fear – I have never been this far… when I started visiting clients in Belmopan in the early ninetees I always dreamt of having a little office to work from to be able to meet my client and brush my teeth after my lunch to begin my afternoon appointments.
I got to know all the public bathrooms and many of the government office bathrooms which I used to brush my teeths after having lunch… But that little voice of doubt kept whispering in my ear… this one is certainly out of our league… She insisted and mustering my best salesman pitch I rolled back my shoulder, placed that confident smile in my voice and made the call! “Good morning, Sir. I am calling in regards to the Property you have on constitution Drive… I am a motivated buyer; Is the property still available? YES, what would be your best price?” As expected, the amount was staggering, and he added ‘I will accept 10% within 10 days and the remainder in 30’. I said please allow us time to get back to you. I’m glad that I was sitting down, I was blushing, and my face was red just because it did not show. I was trying to wrap my head around the number that he quoted. We debated, Gladys won the argument; we called and set an appointment with our financiers… they said YES, and the rest is history.
Starting with but ONE phone call…
Fast forward to 2019, we started to make plans for our building, met with the architects, engineers and project manager and initial meeting with our financiers and making plan to begin construction in mid 2020… and then COVID happened! Significant amounts of cash had already been invested in the preliminary planning of the project now all was on hold and uncertain.
In 2021 amid all the uncertainty, we decide that we would cut our losses already invested in the previous construction plans and would scale down to one that would initially house our agency then figure the way ahead from there. So, we modified our building plans and got to work. * Do not let setbacks stop you, modify if you must but keep going. Thank God we were able to occupy our home office in October of 2022, six years after securing the land. Supervising a construction of this size comes with its own stresses, doubts and fears but we’ve learned that in the desert experience is where you’re strengthened and gain wisdom. I can assure you that we are that much better prepared as we continue and oversee the other phase of our building.
Earlier I mentioned that I dreamt of having a little office with a bathroom to do my teethsies… Well, I now have access to 8 bathrooms to do just that! God is good! Did we always get it right? Of course, not; we made mistakes, made the corrections and continued the journey. Did we feel like giving up sometimes? You bet, but we would always go back to the reason why we started that that fueled us to go the next step. We’ve learnt never to give up. We will rest when we have to but giving up is NOT an option.
Fear is natural
It’s your mind’s way of protecting you from perceived threats. While this is useful when facing real danger, it often kicks in during moments that don’t threaten our survival—like starting a new job, speaking in public, or pursuing a dream.
Many of us let fear paralyze us, convincing ourselves that we’re not ready, not capable, or not worthy. But fear isn’t the enemy. The real enemy is inaction. By understanding that fear is simply an emotional response and not a barrier, we can choose to act despite it.
Why You Should "Do It Anyway"
1. Fear Indicates Growth
Fear often shows up when you're stepping out of your comfort zone. And that’s a good thing! Growth happens when we challenge ourselves. By embracing fear, you unlock new skills, perspectives, and opportunities.
2. Regret Hurts More than Fear
Imagine looking back on your life, wondering what could have been if only you’d acted despite your fears. Regret is far heavier than the momentary discomfort of fear.
3. Courage is Built Through Action
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s taking action despite feeling afraid. Every time you push through fear, you become stronger and more resilient.
How to Face Fear
1. Acknowledge It
Don’t suppress your fear. Accept it as a natural response. Name it, understand it, and remind yourself that it’s a sign you’re about to do something important.
2. Break It Down
Fear often feels overwhelming because we focus on the big picture. Break your goal into smaller, manageable steps, and tackle them one at a time.
3. Focus on the Outcome
Shift your attention from the fear to the potential rewards. Visualize the positive outcomes and the sense of accomplishment waiting for you on the other side.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel afraid, stumble, or even fail. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Conclusion
To truly live, you must step into the unknown and embrace the discomfort of fear. Remember, every successful person you admire has felt fear but chose to act anyway. The path to your goals and dreams is often paved with moments of uncertainty, but courage will always light the way.
So the next time fear whispers in your ear, don’t let it stop you. Feel the fear, and do it anyway. You just might surprise yourself with how far you can go.
Thank you.