Starting your own business isn’t easy, no matter what some entrepreneurs tell you. It takes determination, persistence and, above all, passion for the business idea you want to bring to life. There are plenty of obstacles and limitations you’ll run into as a freelancer or entrepreneur. And, of course, we come up with all sorts of excuses to avoid doing the very thing that excites us most.

Talks for entrepreneurs

One of the biggest handicaps that can hold us back is the fear of failure. If that sounds like you, don’t worry — it’s far more common than you think. That’s why we want to encourage you not to give up on the work you’re building. And if you still haven’t dared to take the leap, here are the 5 most inspiring talks for entrepreneurs. These speeches will get you out of your chair, start unlocking the dreams you want to make real, and give your professional future the push it deserves.

How to start a movement: Derek Sivers

Derek Sivers, professional musician, entrepreneur and founder and former president of CD Baby, talks about how leadership works in the early days of a business. To get his main point across, he uses a fun comparison with a rather peculiar video. It’s a perfect example of how important it is to take the reins of a business, a startup, or an idea.

“We should be leaders. If you really care about starting a movement, have the courage to follow and show others how. And when you find that you’re onto something great, have the courage to be the first to stand up and join in.”

Get started! Beat the fear and begin with a small project: Stefany Cohen

The headline says it all. Stefany Cohen, entrepreneur and Communication and Entrepreneurship coach, encourages us to give ourselves that little push, lose the fear and start making an idea happen — without sabotaging ourselves with fears, insecurities or excuses.

“We have the power to make an idea happen. And we end up waiting for someone else to do it. The first step is to own our own ideas. That’s when we feel the responsibility to follow through.”

The road to success: LuzuVlogs

LuzuVlogs, a well-known YouTuber, encourages young people with dreams, ideas and ambitions to chase what they really want — the thing that actually gets them out of bed in the morning. He urges those “frustrated” young people stuck in environments they don’t love to drop the excuses and refuse to give up. To stop thinking about money, to have patience and persistence, and not to regret not having tried.

“If you want something, do everything in your power. Every hour, every day, every week, to make it happen.”

“You might risk it all and lose everything. But you’re also going to win things far more important than what you lose.”

The happy secret to better work: Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor, happiness researcher, author of books like The Happiness Advantage and a well-known champion of positive psychology, gives a funny and motivating talk on the importance of staying true to your vision. Of doing what makes you happy rather than what’s supposedly best for you. That often means stepping out of the statistical average and your comfort zone to take a chance on what truly drives you.

The language of motivation: Maria Graciani

Finally, Maria Graciani, journalist, motivational speaker and author of books like Motivulario and A + BUE=LO, encourages us to believe in ourselves so we can reach success and turn our ideas and dreams into reality. This motivational coach will leave you feeling so strong and self-assured that, whenever you set your mind to something, you’ll be able to do it and dodge every obstacle in your way.

After watching these talks, who’s going to stop you from doing what you really want to do with your career? We dare you to take the risk and win!