Starting Scared: Why Fear Means You're on the Right Path

This is Part 1 of a three-part series exploring the founder's journey — from starting out, to building sustainably, to leading authentically. Each edition will blend personal insights, actionable advice and reflections on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Việt Kiều and Vietnamese diaspora community.What’s stopping you from starting? Fear of failing? Fear of judgment? Or maybe just not feeling ‘ready’? If so, you’re not alone and you’re closer to beginning than you think.Starting something new is always scary whether it's launching a business, writing your first blog post, or stepping into a new role. As a Việt Kiều founder and Investor, I know that uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing cultural expectations, family pressures and the desire to succeed in both Vietnam and abroad.I still remember staring at my first draft of this newsletter, telling myself I just needed "one more week" before sharing it. Weeks turned into months and I convinced myself I wasn’t ready. The truth was, I was just scared to start. The Uncomfort Zone is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Brené Brown talks about vulnerability as the birthplace of growth and courage. When you step into something new, discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong — it’s proof you’re stretching yourself. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the key to building real connection, meaningful work and personal growth. People reach out to me every week confirming this and it gives me the energy to keep on pushing - calmly.Why Starting Feels So HardFor many Việt Kiều, there's a unique tension, we often feel like we're expected to succeed. Maybe your family made sacrifices to give you better opportunities or perhaps you're navigating cultural gaps while trying to build something meaningful. That pressure can make you feel like failure isn’t an option, but that’s exactly why embracing uncertainty is so important.Have you ever felt like you were carrying the weight of your family’s sacrifices on your shoulders? That burden can be heavy, but starting isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about learning to move forward with it.Author Elizabeth Gilbert describes fear as a constant companion, like a passenger in the car. Fear’s job is to warn you about the unknown, but it doesn’t get to touch the steering wheel. That idea shifted my mindset completely. I realized I couldn’t wait for fear to disappear; I had to start while fear rode alongside me.What Helps You Take That First Step?One of the biggest mindset shifts I've learned is that courage isn’t something you build before you start — it’s something you build through starting. Here are a few strategies that have helped me and others take that first leap:1. Write Your "Worst-Case Scenario" Journal EntryAsk yourself: What’s the absolute worst thing that could happen if I fail? Most of the time, the real risks aren’t as catastrophic as they feel in your head. Seeing those fears on paper makes them less intimidating.2. Start with a "Minimum Viable Action"Instead of trying to launch everything at once, ask: What’s the smallest meaningful step I can take today? Maybe it’s sending one email, drafting your idea, or reaching out to a potential collaborator. One founder I know started by sharing her idea with just one friend over coffee — that conversation gave her the push she needed. Progress starts small.3. Build a "Support Circle"Surround yourself with people who believe in you — mentors, peers, or friends who can provide honest feedback and encouragement. For Việt Kiều founders, connecting with others who understand your cultural context can be especially powerful. If you’re looking for a space to connect with like-minded founders, my weekly AMA session, The Founder's Pause, is designed to offer that exact kind of support. Connect with me on LinkedIn or contact me on Substack for details.How I Pushed Through My Own DoubtsI’m always too much in my head, but starting before you’re ready and figuring things out along the way - that’s a true super power.When I first moved back to Vietnam, my Vietnamese was only 50-70% there, it still is. But I didn’t care. I went out anyway, meeting locals and trying to communicate "with hands and feet." People didn’t laugh — they recognized the effort. They respected my authenticity and vulnerability, helped me, and opened up. We all try to figure it out together.Starting was uncomfortable, but discomfort is often the price of growth.Through that experience, I learned that clarity comes through action. Waiting for perfect confidence or complete readiness often means waiting too long. Each imperfect step gave me more understanding — not just of the language, but of the culture, the people, and myself.What If You Started Today?Imagine a community where founders stopped waiting for the "perfect moment" and instead took bold, imperfect steps forward. Imagine how many meaningful businesses, creative projects and impactful ideas could flourish if we leaned into uncertainty rather than avoiding it.So ask yourself: What’s the smallest courageous step you can take today? Maybe it’s writing down your idea. Maybe it’s sharing your concept with a friend. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you admire for advice.You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to begin. Growth doesn’t come from avoiding fear; it comes from learning to act in spite of it.Your journey won’t look like mine and that’s the beauty of it. Each of us faces different circumstances and privilege plays a big role in how easy (or difficult) starting can be. I recognize that I’ve had advantages and I know that not everyone has the same resources or support. But no matter where you’re starting from, courage is built in small steps.So, what’s yours?I’d love to hear your story — If you knew you couldn’t fail, what’s the first thing you would try tomorrow? Reply and share — let’s build this conversation together.Next week: We'll explore why founders often get caught chasing quick wins and how choosing sustainable growth can set you up for lasting success.P.S. I host The Founder's Pause, a weekly AMA-style session designed to help founders reflect, reset, and gain clarity. We explore wins, struggles and upcoming goals, all in a safe, supportive space. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I'd love for you to join us. Reply to this email or connect with me on LinkedIn for details.Keep it simple, keep it fresh, smile and let it go.Yours truly, Trung. This is a public episode. 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