At The Happy Me, I see this daily. Behind every strategic vision and success story, there is often a quieter story of fear, pressure, and vulnerability. These emotions are rarely about the present. More often, they are rooted in the past.

Our survival instincts begin in childhood. A child encouraged to speak up may become a founder who finds it natural to be seen and take bold action. A child who was criticised for mistakes, or taught that visibility was unsafe, may now struggle with risk and self-expression. Not due to a lack of ability, but because the mind has learned to associate being seen with emotional danger.

This is why entrepreneurship can also become a path to healing. A chance to recognise old patterns, meet the part of you that still fears failure, and rewrite your story. At The Happy Me, this is where I do my most meaningful work, helping leaders realise their fear often has nothing to do with their actual skill, and everything to do with a belief that it is not safe to get it wrong.

Understanding this is transformational. It explains why some thrive in visibility, while others hold back. Why some feel energised by risk, and others freeze under pressure. These are not flaws. They are adaptations, formed by the subconscious to protect you. But what once kept you safe may now be what holds you back.

Here are three common challenges I help founders and leaders overcome at The Happy Me, along with the mindset shifts that create real change.

1. Doubt and self-belief

Self-doubt is often mistaken for a sign we are not ready, when in fact, it signals growth. Left unchecked, it can stall progress and erode confidence. Self-belief is not about pretending to be fearless, but about understanding the root of doubt and choosing to back yourself. At The Happy Me, I guide clients through a process-based approach to rewire limiting beliefs, so they can lead with clarity and conviction.

2. Perfectionism and procrastination

Perfectionism is fear in disguise. Fear of judgement, of mistakes, of not being good enough. Many founders delay action waiting for perfection, but it is an illusion. Growth happens through launching, learning, and refining. At The Happy Me, I support entrepreneurs to release perfectionism, feel safe being seen, and take clear, confident steps forward.

3. Fear of failure and the survival response

Failure does not mean you are incapable. It means that version did not work. But when failure triggers survival fears around money or rejection, the nervous system can become overstimulated. This is not just mindset, it is biology. At The Happy Me, I help clients move from reactive survival into subconscious and strategic thinking, using tools like Havening, EFT Tapping, and Rapid Transformational Therapy to restore emotional safety and resilience.

You are not just building a business. You are building yourself. And when you lead from a place of self-awareness and inner strength, you create a sustainable path for success.

To start leading yourself today, reflect on the following:

• Interrupt the inner critic: ask yourself, “Is this thought true, or just familiar?” It is familiar because it started somewhere. Where did that belief begin? What if you reframed that belief into something more helpful? What would change for you?
• Launch before it feels perfect: progress builds momentum. Perfection delays it. Every step is a learning experience
• Redefine failure: it is not the end. It is feedback. Use it

• For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.