Facing Your Fears: Embracing the Windmills of Business 

In the world of delivery, fear often takes a front seat. In Miguel de Cervantes’ novel, the character Don Quixote mistakes windmills for giants and charges at them, believing he is battling fearsome foes.  

This scene has become one of the most iconic in literature, symbolising the power of imagination and the potential for misperception. A modern interpretation of this scene was described thus, “The scariest dragons and the fierce giants usually turn out to be no more than windmills.” 

Truth is often stranger than fiction, as such, the challenges we perceive in delivery of consulting engagements, can often be exaggerated in our minds. Understanding and overcoming this perception can help us deliver our services with greater clarity, confidence and certainty. 

When starting a new job, it’s common to envision formidable obstacles. These can manifest as financial hurdles, timeframes, stakeholder buy in, or even self-doubt. The “dragons” and “giants” are great symbols of these fears that may loom large in our minds, potentially paralysing us towards inaction. However, as Don Quixote was seeing dragons & monsters when charging the windmills, once he attacked, he realised the fears he held weren’t what they appeared.  

Identifying your Dragons, seeing them as Windmills

The first step to confronting your fear is to identify what those “windmills” are by simply listing them. The list may include things like, “I’m you worried about not delivering on time”, “there’s too many risks”, “there’s not enough money”, “stakeholders don’t like the scope delivered”. By listing these fears, the power they have over you will dissipate, allowing you to see with clarity what you are really facing. 

We have at times feared failure so intensely that we hesitate to “charge” or start the work. However, failure is a crucial part of the learning process. Each setback can provide valuable insights that will help develop the information and learning that can lead to success. If we redefine failure and see it as a steppingstone rather than a dead end, your perception of fear can be transformed. 

Reframing Challenges

Once you’ve identified your fears, the next step is reframing them. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable giants, consider them opportunities for growth. Every challenge presents a chance to learn and innovate. For example, if you’re facing tough competition, use it as motivation to differentiate your brand. Analyse what your competitors are doing well and identify gaps in the market that you can fill. 

This perspective shift not only reduces the intimidation factor, but also empowers you to take proactive steps. A good way to look at it is to acknowledge that most people in your situation will have faced similar fears and challenges. Talk to others and no doubt they will share stories of overcoming obstacles remarkably similar to yours. Sharing challenges and with others reinforces that you aren’t the only person to face this, that you are not alone in our struggles. 

Taking Action

Once you have found a way to identify and reframe, it’s time to step into action. The trick is to start small, with surety to set you on your way. Set achievable goals that push you, these can be a little outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s reaching out to stakeholders for clarification, asking a peer for guidance that has done this type of work before, or drafting that first project plan, each small step helps you define the “dragon” as you charge towards it. Once you start to see progress, it’ll build confidence and help assuage fears that once felt overwhelming. 

Make sure you develop a power of accountability. Share your plan for what you will do, make sure you let people know your steps and by when. The support and encouragement from others can provide a significant boost when facing your fears. Additionally, surrounding yourself with subject matter experts who understand the journey you are on is incredibly beneficial. 

In reading Don Quixote, his journey teaches us that the fears we face are often more formidable than they truly are. Beginning to identify and reframe, we start to transform them from dragons & giants into manageable windmills. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, take actionable steps, and remember that every successful entrepreneur has faced their own fears.  

In doing so, we can navigate the business landscape with courage and resilience, turning potential fears & obstacles into steppingstones toward success. So, the next time you encounter this type of fear – ask yourself: “Is this a dragon, a giant, or merely a windmill waiting to be conquered?” 

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