My previous blog addressed how family business statistics are often used to play into our fear of failure—our family business not surviving or thriving. While I don’t like how those statistics are used (and misused), I do recognize that fear can be a powerful motivator. Just don’t let it be a detractor.

We look to train wrecks of families and businesses as what not to do. Television viewers are closely watching the train wrecks on Yellowstone and Succession (and Empire for the edgier music lovers). We cringe while watching families do everything wrong! And silently give thanks that we aren’t that bad!

In the real world, read this story of the death and chaotic succession of the patriarch of Scholastic. Yes, that Scholastic—the sweet school book fair company your family has bought books from for decades. Plus, we all have examples of neighbors and friends struggling.

Certainly, learning from others, good and bad, is a huge part of acquiring life wisdom. In agriculture, folks are usually generous in sharing lessons hard learned. Some level of healthy fear may be helpful. But fear taken to the extreme can be debilitating. What might that look like? Being unwilling to even discuss the (known) possibility that a family member might want to exit the business because it would open Pandora’s Box to others reconsidering the status quo. Not trying a new venture, though well-vetted and risk bound, because it might be too risky. Obsessing about how to fix every single problem while not taking time to appreciate the good days.

Related:Avoid the fear of failure

I saw a quote that struck me at the right time in my life. “Fear is contagious. So is hope.” I’m striving to make sure fear takes the back seat to building and working toward something better.

Davon Cook is a family business consultant at K Coe Isom. Reach Davon at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.