Risk is part of the definition of what it means to be an entrepreneur. When you become a business owner, you're essentially raising your hand and saying, "I'm willing to risk more and risk more often" — knowing full well that failure is going to be a regular occurrence for you. As Thomas Edison famously quipped, "I have not failed 10,000 times — I have successfully found 10,000 ways to make a lightbulb that will not work." Failure is just part of the entrepreneur package. But here's the...

You're the Heavy-Hearted Builder This means that a past business disappointment or betrayal still hurts you, and is affecting your ability to make real progress. Reminders sting; trust feels risky; hope feels costly. Disappointment and grief are often stuffed down in favor of “progress,” but the emotions go underground and affect you from the shadows. You're probably very busy with tasks and projects that seem important but that are ultimately avoiding the one, big, scary thing you need to do...

You're the Under-Fire Founder This means that condemning, strategic doubts press you to quit or play small—especially when you get close to success. It feels like a verdict, not a helpful next step: “Maybe my work harms more than it helps,” or “God probably has someone better than me.” The enemy plants lies tailor-made to your calling to keep you quiet right when you're on the verge of wide-scale help to others. Symptoms Common to the Under-Fire Founder - Accusing thoughts get loud right...