I was recently in a room in Dubai where the price of entry was a minimum net worth of $30 million.
While I can’t share the details of what was discussed, I can share one important observation: nearly everyone in that room admitted to feeling some level of insecurity about being there. And yet, they came anyway.
That choice is what makes the difference.
Insecurity Is Universal
I see this dynamic everywhere. I see it with aspiring directors I work with at Veblen, with people at the very start of their careers, with professionals hesitating over their first LinkedIn post, and even with my own children.
If you care about anything – your work, your goals, or your reputation, you will feel insecurity. It is a natural byproduct of doing something meaningful.
Moving Forward Anyway
The critical difference is in how you respond to it. You can let insecurity hold you back, or you can acknowledge it and keep moving forward.
Every successful person I’ve met, regardless of wealth, influence, or status, still carries the same doubts, fears, and insecurities as everyone else. What separates them is the decision to take action despite those feelings.
Choosing Courage Over Comfort
Insecurity doesn’t disappear as you achieve more. If anything, it may grow as the stakes rise. But progress belongs to those who act anyway. Success is not about eliminating fear, it’s about moving forward in spite of it.