Anyone on X? Join me!

Fear only exists in the shadows.

My stomach dropped to my ankles.

The deadline on the Google search read: 15th April.

I checked my phone’s lock screen, hoping for a miracle. Today’s date, 23rd April.

Last week I found out I was a week late to file my taxes.

The fee for this delay? 25 big ones.

I started to hyperventilate.

My mind went to all the worst case scenarios.

Why am I doing this? I should never have started this company. Is this really worth it?

Then, I remembered 5 things - and managed to calm myself.

2 years ago, this would have taken me out.

Two years ago, I started fresh in a fresh country. I had less than $400 in savings, no marketable skills, and a whole lot of fear.

If this had happened to me two years ago, I would have quit then and there. I would probably have given up entrepreneurship for life.

Last week, however, I had the skills (and savings) to deal with this issue better.

Here are the 5 tricks I used.

1. Control the controllable.

I knew that no matter what happens, I need to sort out the core issue - I need to complete the forms, send them in, even if they’re late.

So, I sprung to action. I hired an accountant, sent them my info, got it done.

Control the controllables, fix the core issues first so you can do the follow-up work.

2. Gather the facts.

I had no idea what the consequence of my failure was when I started.

I had to get more info.

1. How likely is it that I will get fined? p likely

2. How long until I have to pay it? 4-10 months, I’m averaging to 6

3. What can I do if I get fined? there are courses you can take to dispute

Find the facts - do the research so you can make the best decisions possible.

3. What is the absolute worst case?

So - the fine is $25,000 - can I pay it?

In my case I’m lucky enough to say, yes. I can. So the worst case is, I blow up my savings, and start again.

No problem, I’ve done that before - 2 years ago. So I know I can handle it.

Map out the worst case - fear only exists in the shadows.

4. What are the upsides?

I now have a timeline and an incentive. Make $25k in 6 months.

If I can make it happen, it’ll be a hell of a story.

If I don’t, I will still survive.

Find the upsides. There are ways to leverage any situation, even the bad ones.

5. Be grateful for the challenge

As you progress in life, there are bigger, stronger dragons to slay.

This situation would have completely devastated me 2 years ago. It probably would have ruined my trajectory in life, self-confidence, and the lives of those around me.

But today, I am equipped to handle it. I am genuinely grateful for that.

There is no privilege greater than the pressure to excel. Be grateful.

I know this probably feels like a crazy story for most of you.

But this is what is front-of-mind for me at the moment. And this newsletter was always about sharing my genuine thoughts through my journey - the highs AND the lows.

But know this - no matter what challenges you’re facing, I guarantee you the dragon is not as big as your brain is making it out to be.

Hopefully this helps you face up and tackle at least one problem that’s been plaguing your mind.

What’s next?

I’m starting my marketing arc 🤣 

Starting with tiktoks to test video ads that I will then run on Meta.

I’m using HeyGen AI to create UGC-style ads, which I’m editing together with real footage of Wordrobin to create (I think) pretty good ads.

I’ll keep you guys posted on progress as always.

See you next week!

Ben

Enjoying the newsletter? Please forward to a pal. It only takes 18 seconds.

If you want to keep up with any progress - come join me on X!