Are you itching to go back to work? Want to start your own business? Or just want to try something new and different? If you’re nodding your head “yes” but haven’t yet taken the plunge, it might be fear that’s holding you back. Fear of failure or fear of others not loving your big idea as much as you do can outweigh your desire for change if you let it.

Fear is a legitimate emotion that can’t be ignored, but it can be mitigated. Here are 4 steps to lead you confidently down the path to your next big thing.

 Step 1: List Your Fears

What keeps you up at night? What’s your worst case scenario? Calling out your fears by name will make them seem manageable and less daunting.

Let’s use the example of “Lisa” a stay-at-home mother of 3, with a marketing background, who would like to return to work after being out of it for 8 years. Lisa is fearful that:

 Fear #1: her resume with an 8 year gap makes her appear inexperienced

Fear #2: she’ll have to attend awkward networking events

Fear #3: she’ll struggle to learn Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn

Fear #4: integrating work and family responsibilities will be impossible

Fear #5: she will fail

Step 2: Create Contingency Plans

Lisa’s fears are relatable whether you are returning to work, reaching for a promotion or stepping out of your comfort zone. Tackle each one by creating individual contingency plans.

Here are sample contingency plans for each of Lisa’s 5 fears:

Fear #1: her resume with an 8 year gap makes her appear inexperienced

Don’t underestimate your experience. Turn what you see as a liability into an asset. Read Michael Hyatt ‘s advice in this short article for inspiration and strategies to build a resume and LinkedIn profile you can be proud of.

 Fear #2: she’ll have to attend awkward networking events

Very few people I know actually enjoy networking events.  You do not have to dread them. Use the advice in Networking Tips: Go From Awkward to Awesome to be confident and productive at networking events.

Fear #3: she’ll struggle to learn Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn

Just do it! Get online and start learning social media by doing it. YouTube is full of great tutorials for beginners. Experiment, reach out to experts and have fun with it. Remember though, you are establishing an online professional presence. Present yourself authentically and professionally.

Fear #4: integrating work and family responsibilities will be impossible

This is a tough one that each of us has to figure out on her own. What works for me may not work for you. Start by talking through your decision with your family. Getting their support from the beginning will be critical to your ability to integrate your new career with your ongoing role as worker, mother and house manager.

 Fear #5: fear of failure

I think most people can relate to this fear. Let’s consider this actually happening: Lisa gets a job she thinks will be great only to have it turn out to be a poor fit.  Knowing she gave it her best shot, she can have an open conversation with the boss and move on, taking with her an understanding of why that particular position didn’t work. Lesson learned.

Step 3: Work The Plan

You listed your fears and thoughtfully considered how to moderate each one. Now you have to work the plan. In other words, as you start down the path towards your next big thing and you hit a bump (for example, attending your first networking event), remember that you prepared for this moment and have a strategy waiting in the wings.

Fear is a legitimate emotion that can’t be ignored. Instead, strip it of its intimidation by listing your fears along with your practical plans to conquer each one. Best of luck in your journey to your next big thing!