Business By Hormozi #12: The Journey of Jake and Michael: Embracing Fear for Success

In life, fear is an inevitable companion. We all face it—whether it’s the fear of rejection or the fear of failure. But how we choose to deal with that fear determines the path we take. This is the story of two friends—Jake and Michael—and how their experiences taught them that losers fear rejection, but winners fear regret. Embracing fear for success became the turning point in their lives, helping them rise above their challenges.

Two Friends, Two Perspectives: Embracing Fear for Success

Jake and Michael had been best friends since high school, but their views on success were shaped by very different perspectives. Jake was the cautious one. He always played it safe, avoided taking risks, and feared rejection. Michael, on the other hand, was more daring. He believed that success came not from avoiding rejection but from embracing it as part of the journey. While Jake hesitated at every opportunity, Michael was the one who took chances, even when it meant facing failure.

Their contrasting approaches to life often led to deep discussions. Jake would often point out how he preferred stability, while Michael would argue that true growth came from stepping outside his comfort zone.

The Road of Fear: Two Different Mindsets

Jake's Fear of Rejection

Jake’s life was one of avoiding risk at all costs. Whether it was applying for jobs, starting a new project, or pursuing relationships, Jake always held back. He feared rejection more than anything else. Every time an opportunity came his way, he’d overthink the potential for failure and convince himself that staying where he was was safer. While Jake’s life seemed secure, he often found himself wondering what could have been, feeling regret for the chances he never took.

Michael's Fear of Regret

Michael, on the other hand, embraced fear in a different way. He wasn’t afraid of rejection; he was afraid of regret. Michael knew that rejection was a natural part of life and success. He had faced his fair share of failures, but each rejection taught him something valuable. He feared looking back on his life and realizing that he had never tried because of fear. Michael took bold steps—whether it was moving to a new city for a job, starting a business, or taking on a challenging project. His actions weren’t without risk, but his biggest fear was always wondering, “What if I had tried?”

The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call

One day, after a particularly rough week, Jake and Michael met up for lunch. Jake was frustrated, lamenting how he had passed up an opportunity for a promotion at work because he was afraid of failing in a new role.

Michael listened quietly and then asked, “Jake, are you afraid of failing or are you afraid of regretting not trying?”

Jake hesitated. He had never considered it from that angle. “I guess I’m just afraid of rejection. What if I’m not good enough?”

Michael smiled gently. “Here’s the thing, Jake. Rejection is temporary. Regret lasts a lifetime. If you spend your life avoiding rejection, you might never experience the things that make you truly happy. Winners fear regret, not rejection. They know that the real failure isn’t in being turned down, it’s in not taking the chance at all.”

For the first time, Jake felt a shift in his thinking. The weight of his fear of rejection seemed lighter, and the idea of regret felt much heavier.

A New Approach: Taking Risks

Inspired by Michael’s words, Jake decided to take a leap. He applied for a job that he had always wanted but had been too afraid to pursue. He prepared for the interview, knowing that the outcome was uncertain, but his biggest fear was no longer rejection—it was regretting never having tried.

To his surprise, he got the job. The promotion was a turning point in his life, not just professionally, but personally. He realized that his fear of rejection had been holding him back from the success and growth he desired.

Meanwhile, Michael continued to chase his dreams without fear, taking on new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what he thought was possible.

Final Thoughts: The Fear That Drives Us

Jake and Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that our fears don’t have to control us. Fear of rejection can keep us stagnant, but fear of regret can push us toward greatness. While Jake spent years avoiding rejection and missing opportunities, Michael’s willingness to face rejection head-on allowed him to embrace the full spectrum of life’s experiences.

The lesson? Winners don’t fear rejection—they fear regret. It’s not about avoiding rejection; it’s about never having the chance to succeed because we were too afraid to try.

👉 Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you. Instead, ask yourself: What’s worse—facing rejection, or facing a life full of regrets?

What fears are holding you back from taking the next step? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s talk about how to overcome them!