Fear: The Ghost Standing Between You and Success | Russell Brunson
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Why entrepreneurs must confront fear head-on—and how to turn it into fuel.
What is the biggest internal block to entrepreneurial success?
The biggest internal block to success isn’t lack of knowledge or skills—it’s fear. Whether it’s fear of failure, judgment, or the unknown, these silent saboteurs derail launches, delay progress, and shrink our dreams.
In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, we explore how to dismantle fear and reframe it as a growth signal. Inspired by a 100-year-old book by Dr. Frank Crane and layered with modern entrepreneurial insight, this post will show you how to face fear, talk to it, and use it.
1. Fear Is a Ghost—Not a Wall
Fear feels real. But more often than not, it’s a ghost.
It whispers worst-case scenarios. It dresses up in false certainty. But when you walk toward it? It disappears.
"Fear has knocked the cup of success from more hands than failure ever has."
What to do instead:
- Name it
- Acknowledge it
- Walk straight into it with curiosity, not avoidance
Fear shrinks when exposed to the light.
2. Name the Fear—And Speak to It
Fear grows in silence. But if you speak to it, it loses its grip.
Here’s the practice:
- Identify what you’re afraid of (failure? embarrassment? loss?)
- Ask yourself: Is this true? Or is it just a story?
- Speak to it like it’s a person trying to protect you
"Thank you for trying to keep me safe. But I’m okay now. I’ve got this."
This sounds small. But this kind of emotional intelligence is what separates stuck entrepreneurs from resilient ones.
3. Separate Danger from Discomfort
A lion in your tent? Danger.
Launching a course and getting zero sales? Discomfort.
Your nervous system often can’t tell the difference—but you can train it.
Reframe: Discomfort is a signal of growth, not danger. The more comfortable you get with being uncomfortable, the more unstoppable you become.
Try this:
- Next time you feel fear, say: This is discomfort, not danger.
- Breathe.
- Take the next step anyway.
4. What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
This classic question isn’t just motivational fluff. It’s a neurological strategy.
Most fear is vague. That’s what makes it powerful. But the moment you define the worst-case scenario, it shrinks.
Walk through it:
- If I fail, what would really happen?
- Could I recover?
- What would I learn?
Most of the time, the worst-case scenario is recoverable—but inaction costs far more.
5. Fear Is a Map, Not a Stop Sign
Fear doesn’t mean don’t go there. It often means pay attention here.
Some of your most profitable offers, vulnerable stories, and big pivots live right on the other side of fear.
So ask:
- What is this fear trying to reveal?
- Is there a message in it?
- What would courage look like right now?
6. Borrow Belief Until Yours Catches Up
Sometimes you don’t need more bravery. You need to borrow belief.
That’s why community, mentorship, and coaching are so powerful. When fear is loud, someone else’s perspective can silence the noise.
Here’s how:
- Find someone who’s done what scares you
- Ask what they felt before they did it
- Model their mindset and momentum
"You don’t have to be fearless. You just need to act like someone who isn’t for five minutes."
7. Courage Isn’t the Absence of Fear—It’s Action in Spite of It
Every launch you admire? There was fear. Every stage appearance, viral video, million-dollar funnel? Fear.
The difference? Someone acted anyway.
Fear will always ride shotgun. But it doesn’t get to drive.
Here’s how to put fear in its place:
- Take micro-actions (small, forward steps)Your right hand is for leading
- Celebrate motion, not outcome
- Document the wins to build confidence over time
8. Fear Shows Up Strongest at the Door to Your Next Level
When you’re about to break through—fear surges.
That’s not a sign to stop. That’s confirmation that you’re on the edge of something big.
"Fear is the doorman of greatness."
You don’t have to conquer fear once and for all. You just have to walk through the door today.
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is fear always a bad thing?
No. Fear is data. It tells you what matters. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear—it’s to lead through it.
How do I know if fear is holding me back in business?
Look for delay, procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance. Fear hides behind those masks.
I’m scared of being visible. What should I do?
Start small. Share one thing. Post one story. Your confidence will rise in direct proportion to your exposure.
Can fear actually help me?
Yes. Fear often reveals your next move. It sharpens focus, heightens awareness, and shows where growth lives.
Final Thoughts on Fear and Success
Success isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being fear-literate.
Every entrepreneur wrestles with ghosts: of failure, of rejection, of being seen. But once you learn to talk to fear, thank it, and walk through it?
You get access to everything on the other side.
So next time fear shows up? Smile.
It means you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
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