I recently read a book by the CEO and Founder of Stella & Dot Family Brands, Jessica Dilullo Herrin’s Find Your Extraordinary, and came across a section titled How Brave Are You? There was a list of five questions, each with a subset of questions to answer. It took some time, but I did it. I would challenge each of you to do the same.

When answering the questions I found that even though I coach clients daily, I'm not asking myself many of these questions. I am fortunate to work with a coach who does hold me to account and helps keep me focussed on what is important, but until last week, I doubt I had shared my full vision with her. Answering the questions gave me a kick in the pants to get going on a few projects that I had been stalling on and helped deepen my focus by disempowering fear.

I challenge each of you to take the time to answer them for yourselves and reap the rewards of self-reflection.

What would you do if fear were not a factor?
1. Have you ever let fear hold you back?
Who is on the list of people you are trying to impress?
1. Is it a short list of people you love most?
2. Are you on the very top?
3. Or do you live your life trying to impress other people, even some you don’t care about?
Do you embrace the philosophy that the only way to fail is to have never tried?
1. Do you see failure as a necessary stepping stone on the path to greatness?
Who are you sharing your bold goals with?
1. That helps make it real. What do you think will help keep you accountable?
2. How?
What is the first thing you are going to do that is daring, that helps you accomplish your goal?
1. What small action could you take that would advance you along the path to your goal?

Understanding your current state, future vision and purpose are critical components to your success. Finding someone to share this with and hold you accountable will help drive progress at a steadier pace, identify reflags as they come up on the horizon, and inevitably cull the isolation of entrepreneurship and business ownership.