Launch day feels like standing on the edge of a cliff—thrilling, terrifying, and life-changing all at once. It’s almost launch day for us, so I figured it would be appropriate to talk about something every entrepreneur faces: the fear of taking off.
During the pandemic, life slowed down in unexpected ways. Grocery shortages, remote work, and layoffs forced people everywhere to reevaluate their lives. Some sought stability, but millions saw opportunity. In 2020 alone, more than 4.4 million new business applications were filed in the U.S.—a record surge, up 24% from the year before. That wave never stopped. Between 2021 and 2023, Americans filed over 16 million new applications, the largest three-year total in history.
This isn’t just a statistic—it’s proof of a mindset shift. People discovered that building a business wasn’t just about income; it was about reclaiming control over lifestyle. But even with this surge of ambition, one thing never changes: the fear of takeoff.
Launching a business, in many ways, is like boarding a plane. The scariest part isn’t cruising at 30,000 feet—it’s the moment of takeoff.
I know this all too well because I’ve always had a fear of flying. My anxiety spikes at takeoff because there’s no easing in—it’s full speed against gravity. It takes an incredible force to break free, and our bodies resist what feels unnatural. Starting a business is no different. The hardest part is pushing against the doubts and fears that pull us back down.
But here’s the thing: refusing to board the plane means staying stuck where you are, even if you long for a different destination. Getting on that flight is essential if you want to reach the life you’re dreaming of.
And while we can’t eliminate fear, we can learn to manage it. My dad once told me two tricks to ease the discomfort of takeoff: chew gum and lift your feet. The gum reduces the pressure in your ears; the lifted feet help you flow with the plane instead of resisting. I see launching a business the same way. Chewing gum is like quieting your inner doubts, and lifting your feet is like trusting the momentum you’ve built.
Think about everything you’ve already done: you packed your bags, left on time, navigated traffic, checked in, and had the courage to step onto the plane. That’s your preparation. You’ve built the foundation, done the hard work, and now the moment has arrived.
Yes, the pull of fear is real—just as gravity is real—but it doesn’t mean you can’t rise. You didn’t come this far to watch your opportunity taxi down the runway without you.
So today, celebrate your courage. Buckle up, trust your preparation, and embrace the climb. Fear may tug at you like gravity, but remember this: you were built to fly.
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