I didn't get much done, but it doesn't matter; I did what was most important at time. After all, my country was under attack. Members of my American "family" were lost. Others were heroes. The coverage of events and all of incredible ramifications was nothing short of amazing. It was a monumental moment of history, and I know I did right thing. If I had been in New York, I would have been out of house (or apartment) doing SOMETHING to help SOMEBODY who was more directly affected than I.

In reading what I just wrote, it sounds like I feel guilty doesn't it? Well, I do a little because I, like most entrepreneurs, have a strong work ethic. On other hand, we also need to strike a balance between our work and other priorities.

I'm in great pain because of what I saw and heard, but in retrospect I really had no choice. It was simply not possible for me to ignore what was happening so that I could "get some work done".

If it's a really important distraction, give yourself permission. After all, some things are just more important than a few hours of work.

2. Not trying at all. Sometimes fearful people won't even try. If it's something new, forget it! How can you get best out of yourself and others if you don't even try? And how can you innovate if you don't try new things?

3. Anger. When your fear manifests itself as anger, very bad things happen. You alienate your family, friends, and employees. And, you become unpleasant to be around, which is a good way to lose customers.

4. Overcompensation. Instead of getting angry, some people overcompensate. By that I mean that they are so afraid that they will make a mistake that they will go overboard to make sure that they don't, wasting time, money, and other resources.

So what's cure? Self-confidence. That's easy to say but hard to get. The good news is that books and tapes are out there that will help you. Find them. Study them.

Constantly remind yourself that nothing worthwhile happens without some failure along way. If you're not making mistakes, you're not trying hard enough. Besides, you can never completely fail because, in your attempt, you succeeded in overcoming fear of failing.

If you have to be afraid of something, be afraid of being afraid. Nothing will kill your dream faster.