Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless advice, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” is more than just a motivational quote, it is a call to action for entrepreneurs navigating the uncertain and often challenging path to success. Fear is a natural companion on the entrepreneurial journey, but those who dare to confront it daily discover that courage, resilience, and growth lie on the other side of discomfort.

The reality of entrepreneurship is that failure is inevitable. Studies show that entrepreneurs experience an average of 3.8 setbacks or outright failures before achieving their goals. Yet, what separates those who succeed from those who abandon their dreams is not luck or genius, it is persistence. Successful entrepreneurs do not fear failure; they embrace it as a necessary part of their journey.

The Power of Persistence: Why Setbacks Are Stepping Stones

Persistence is more than just determination, it is the unwavering commitment to move forward despite obstacles, doubts, and setbacks. Entrepreneurs who succeed understand that each failure brings them closer to their goals. Every misstep provides a valuable opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine their approach.

Setbacks are not signs to quit but invitations to innovate. When a business idea falls short, successful entrepreneurs analyze what went wrong, adjust their strategies, and try again with renewed insight. They see failure not as a dead end but as part of the path. In doing so, they cultivate resilience, the ability to endure adversity and emerge stronger.

What Sets Successful Entrepreneurs Apart?

The difference between those who achieve their dreams and those who don’t often comes down to how they handle fear and failure. While many people are paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes or facing rejection, successful entrepreneurs use that fear as fuel. Their mindset shifts from “What if I fail?” to “What can I learn from this experience?”

Successful entrepreneurs also possess:

• A clear vision: They know what they want to achieve and remain focused on their long-term goals, even when faced with setbacks.
• A learning mindset: They treat every failure as feedback, using it to improve their strategies.
• Resilience: They bounce back from disappointment, knowing that success often lies just beyond the point where most people give up.
• Courage to face fear: They understand that fear is not a signal to stop but a sign that they are pushing beyond their comfort zone.

The Role of Fear in Success

Fear is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship. The fear of failure, rejection, and financial loss can be paralyzing. However, those who thrive learn to coexist with fear rather than avoid it. Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to do one thing every day that scares you is a reminder that growth and comfort cannot coexist. Each time an entrepreneur steps into the unknown, launching a new product, pitching to investors, or making a bold decision, they expand their capacity for courage and resilience.

Over time, what once seemed terrifying becomes manageable, and the entrepreneur grows not only in skill but also in confidence. Fear, when confronted regularly, loses its power. The unknown becomes familiar, and the entrepreneur becomes adept at taking risks that lead to innovation and opportunity.

The Learning Curve of Failure: How Setbacks Shape Success

Failure, far from being the opposite of success, is often its prerequisite. Consider some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs:

• Steve Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he founded, only to return years later and lead it to unprecedented success.
• Oprah Winfrey was told she was unfit for television before building a media empire.
• Elon Musk faced multiple failures with SpaceX rockets before achieving successful launches.

These stories highlight that setbacks are not signs of inadequacy but opportunities for growth. What unites these successful individuals is not their avoidance of failure but their ability to learn from it and persist through it.

Persistence: The Key to Turning Ambition into Reality

Ambitious dreams often come with daunting challenges. What distinguishes successful entrepreneurs is their ability to persist in the face of difficulty. They refuse to be defined by their failures and instead use them as fuel for growth. Their tenacity, coupled with a belief in their vision, drives them to push beyond limits, pivot when necessary, and keep moving forward.

This persistence is not blind stubbornness, it is informed by experience and refined through every setback. It is about making adjustments without losing sight of the ultimate goal. Successful entrepreneurs adapt their strategies, learn from their mistakes, and continue their journey with a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed.

Practical Steps to Build Persistence and Embrace Fear

For entrepreneurs, persistence and courage are not innate traits but skills that can be cultivated through daily practice. Here’s how to build them:

• Do one thing every day that scares you: Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Whether it’s cold-calling a potential client, launching a new marketing campaign, or asking for feedback, let fear be your guide.
• Reframe failure as feedback: View every setback as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why did this happen to me?”
• Celebrate progress, not just results: Acknowledge small victories along the way. Success is built on consistent, incremental progress.
• Develop a strong ‘why’: Stay connected to the reason behind your goals. A powerful sense of purpose can help you push through even the toughest challenges.
• Surround yourself with a supportive community: Seek mentors, join mastermind groups, or connect with fellow entrepreneurs who understand the journey and can offer guidance and encouragement.

Final Thoughts: Success Is on the Other Side of Fear

The path to entrepreneurial success is rarely smooth. It is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, those who persist, who face their fears head-on, and who view failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block ultimately reach their goals.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s words remind us that courage is built through action. By doing one thing every day that scares you, you condition yourself to embrace discomfort, navigate uncertainty, and persist through adversity. Over time, fear becomes a companion rather than an enemy, and setbacks become stepping stones rather than barriers.

The difference between those who dream and those who achieve is persistence. Success belongs not to the fearless but to those who refuse to give up. Entrepreneurs who succeed are those who face their fears, learn from their failures, and persist until their ambitious dreams become reality.

If you’re interested in my personal experience on today’s topic, I invite you to read the following article:

Revisiting a Personal Experience of Fear and Consequences of Failure

Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

About the Author

With more than 40 years of experience in small business, restaurant, and franchise management, marketing, and development, Paul Segreto is a respected expert in the entrepreneurial world, dedicated to helping others achieve success. Whether you’re an aspiring or current entrepreneur in need of guidance, support, or simply a conversation, you can connect with Paul at paul@acceler8success.com.

About Acceler8Success Group

Acceler8Success Group empowers entrepreneurs and business leaders with personalized coaching, strategic guidance, and a results-driven approach. Whether launching, scaling, or optimizing a business, we provide the tools, mentorship, and resources to drive long-term success.

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