Overcoming Fear and Discomfort: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Finding a Job and Growing Your Business Use the Same Skills

So many professionals, when faced with the challenge of building something new, default to job searching because it feels safer. But is it really? Applying for jobs and growing a business require the same level of effort and vulnerability.

The biggest obstacle standing between you and your dream—whether that’s finding a job or starting a business—isn’t skill, experience, or opportunity. It’s fear.

Fear of rejection.
Fear of failure.
Fear that you’re not good enough.

But here’s the truth: fear and discomfort are unavoidable. You feel it when you send out a résumé and hear nothing back. You feel it when you put your business idea out into the world and don’t get an immediate response. But here’s the twist—your brain is tricking you into believing that one is easier than the other.

Why We Run Toward the "Safe" Choice

Think about what it takes to land a new job:

• You spend hours crafting the perfect résumé and cover letter.

• You apply to dozens (if not hundreds) of jobs, hoping to hear back.

• You prepare for interviews, sometimes facing rejection after multiple rounds.

• You try to stand out in a competitive market, positioning yourself as the best choice.

Now, compare that to building a business:

• You craft a compelling pitch about what you do.

• You reach out to potential clients and network with the right people.

• You learn from rejections and refine your approach.

• You show up consistently, building trust and credibility in your industry.

It’s the same process. But when we’re looking for a job, we convince ourselves it’s different—easier, even. We tell ourselves that getting a job means security, but the truth is that security is an illusion.

In today’s economy, even the most stable jobs can disappear overnight. Why not bet on yourself instead?

Reframing Discomfort as Growth

In the podcast episode, I talked about how we often run away from discomfort—only to land in a different kind of discomfort. When job searching feels hopeless, we think, Maybe I should start a business. When running a business feels hard, we think, Maybe I should go get a job.

The cycle repeats. But the fear doesn’t go away.

Instead of running from discomfort, what if you embraced it? What if you recognized fear as proof that you’re pushing yourself toward something worthwhile?

Here’s how to reframe fear into growth:

1. Make It About Math, Not Emotion.

   • If you send out 100 job applications, you might land 3 interviews.

   • If you send 100 emails to potential clients, you might land 3 sales.

   • Neither one is personal—it’s just a numbers game. Keep going until you get the "yes" you need.

2. Recognize That Rejection Is Progress.

   • When I sent out query letters for my book, I expected rejection. And when I got actual responses—even rejections—I saw it as a win. Why? Because it meant I was in the game.

   • Every "no" means you're one step closer to a "yes."

3. Ask Yourself: What’s Truly Harder?

   • Sending endless applications into a void, hoping to get an interview?

   • Or using the same time and energy to pitch your services and find clients?

   • If you’re going to work this hard anyway, why not do it for yourself?

4. Take the Smallest Possible Step Forward.

   • If quitting your job feels terrifying, don’t quit.

   • Instead, dedicate one month to testing your business idea.

   • Use the exact same outreach techniques you would for job hunting—network, pitch yourself and track results.

   • Just try. Give yourself proof that it’s possible.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

One of the biggest myths about entrepreneurship is that you have to figure it all out by yourself. But just like job seekers turn to career coaches, entrepreneurs turn to executive coaches to help them navigate challenges, build confidence, and take action.

At Practica Consulting, we help professionals move past fear and create a real strategy for success—whether that means finding a job or growing a business.

Bet on Yourself—You Deserve It

Fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a sign that you’re on the edge of something great.

The only question is—are you ready to take the leap?

Jaime Gennaro is a seasoned business consultant and coach with 25 years of experience helping companies achieve sustainable growth and leadership success. She has held leadership roles in marketing and operational strategy across various industries, including tech startups and creative agencies. Jaime specializes in business coaching for entrepreneurs and guiding leaders in balancing personal and professional growth. She focuses on reducing burnout, achieving business clarity, and developing entrepreneurial leadership strategies for long-term success.

Learn more about how executive coaching can support your growth: Practica Consulting Executive Coaching Program.