Here's What Entrepreneurs Fear Most in 2025 — and My 7 Secrets to Overcoming Them If you use these seven simple strategies, you'll tackle this year's biggest fears with confidence and clarity.
By Elisette Carlson Edited by Micah Zimmerman
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As we step into 2025, many entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves grappling with mounting fears that threaten their personal well-being and professional success. From economic uncertainty and technological disruption to workforce challenges and the looming pressures of sustainability, the modern landscape has numerous stressors.
Add to this the pervasive feeling of burnout, and it becomes clear that addressing these fears requires a proactive approach to wellness. In this piece, I list the most pressing fears for 2025 and offer actionable wellness practices to help mitigate their impact.
Pressing fears for 2025
- Economic uncertainty — Inflation, fluctuating interest rates and the potential for a global recession dominate/permeate entrepreneurs' concerns. A 2024 International Monetary Fund report found that nearly 70% of small business owners worldwide feel heightened anxiety due to financial instability. The unpredictable market conditions leave many feeling unprepared for the future.
- Technological disruption — The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and automation is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. While these advancements bring opportunities, they also threaten job security and require constant upskilling. A survey by Ernst & Young LLP found that 75% of U.S. employees are concerned that AI will make certain jobs obsolete, and 65% are anxious about AI replacing their roles.
- Cybersecurity risks—The digital age has also ushered in an era of heightened cybersecurity threats. Safeguarding sensitive data is both a critical necessity and a growing challenge for businesses of all sizes. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that the global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
- Sustainability pressures — As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements become more stringent, businesses face increased pressure to meet sustainability goals. Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance profitability with sustainable practices, particularly in industries heavily reliant on supply chains.
- Workforce challenges — The evolving hybrid workplace continues to create friction in talent retention and attraction. According to Gallup's 2024 Workplace Report, nearly 40% of employees cite poor work-life balance as a reason for job dissatisfaction. Leaders must adapt to these changes or risk losing top talent.
- Personal health decline — Burnout remains a significant concern and is the culmination of these fears. The American Psychological Association notes that 77% of employees experience physical symptoms of stress, including fatigue and diminished focus. If unaddressed, these issues can lead to long-term health consequences.
Wellness practices
Fortunately, there are emerging practical and affordable strategies that entrepreneurs can implement to build resilience, help combat these fears and maintain a calmer mindset. Below are seven wellness practices to consider, many of which I have long incorporated into my own routine.
1. Adopt "soft wellness" and embrace this practice socially
The rise of "soft wellness" emphasizes gentle, joyful activities that prioritize presence over productivity and rebuff the hustle culture. Joining a local dance club, painting class or chess club can help you unwind while fostering valuable connections. Samantha Pantazopoulos, entrepreneur, speaker and CEO of Vizer, a company that empowers brands to create digital incentives, began exploring art early in 2024 with the intention of learning a new skill and finding an outlet to disconnect from work.
When I asked how it has helped her, she responded, "There is something about the medium that allows me to completely unplug and immerse myself in something other than my work. Art helps me press the pause button on my never-ending to-do list, and it has activated my creativity in new ways." According to a Harvard study, creativity and especially social connections with people you enjoy, have been shown to improve mental health and even significantly extend life expectancy.
Related: 9 Habit Stacking Routines to Boost Your Productivity
2. Embrace continuous learning
Learning doesn't have to be tedious. Interactive workshops or community learning sessions can keep you intellectually engaged and socially active. Whether it's a cooking class or a public speaking workshop, continuous education not only reduces stress but also sharpens skills needed in a rapidly evolving world.
We claim not to have time, but if we cut down on our mindless scrolling and begin with ten minutes per day, we may soon find that we have dedicated more time to that learning practice.
3. Incorporate adaptogens into nutrition
Herbs like ashwagandha, Rhodiola and holy basil are known for their ability to combat stress and support mental clarity. I've written about adaptogens before, as research shows that they can also strengthen immunity, boost mood and reduce stress.
Better-for-you coffees and drinks, such as Everyday Dose, Four Sigmatic and MUD WTR, include adaptogenic mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi and cordyceps. I personally take Everyday Dose because it contains collagen protein and L-theanine, which are known for helping improve focus and supporting a calm flow state.
Adaptogens may not be for everyone, so it's best to consult a doctor or dietitian before incorporating them. Dr. Stacy Sims, a leader in women's physiology, is a great resource for the use of adaptogens. Entrepreneurs and wellness experts Tim Ferriss and Dr. Andrew Huberman also tout Rhodiola rosea, particularly in the evening, to help reduce stress.
4. Explore brainwave training
While it may seem futuristic, brainwave training — using tools like binaural beats or neurofeedback—is gaining traction for its ability to enhance focus and relaxation. Free apps like Brain.fm or YouTube playlists can be accessible ways to explore this practice.
You can try downloading the free Brain.fm trial, which I did over a year ago. It's a science-backed approach to music that supports different needs, from concentration to relaxation.
Related: Unlock Your Mind's Potential With AI and Brainwave Training
5. Schedule digital detox blocks
The constant ping of notifications contributes to chronic stress. Dedicating specific hours — or even entire days — to disconnect from devices can be transformative. My husband and I try on the weekends to find moments to put our phones down. Try running errands without a phone, meeting friends for dinner or taking walks without your device.
Taking social media breaks or going device-free has helped me better understand my relationship with my phone and allowed me to be more mindful in other activities and experiences. For those ready to take a deeper plunge, consider experimenting with "dumb phones," which have seen a resurgence as a means to limit digital dependency.
6. Personalized breathwork
Breathwork can regulate your nervous system and enhance mindfulness. Simple techniques, such as box breathing — inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, exhaling for four counts and holding again — can be practiced anywhere.
Apps like Breathwrk, Othership and Headspace offer guided sessions, and many are free.
7. Sleep optimization tools
While sleep science has been heavily discussed, it continues to evolve, with more attention paid to tools like circadian-friendly lighting and bedtime wind-down rituals. I've recommended affordable solutions such as blackout curtains, sunrise alarm clocks (I recommend the Hatch) or relaxing evening teas, such as golden milk made with turmeric. Sleeping between seven and nine hours is optimal.
Related: How to Improve Your Sleep and See Greater Success
Navigating the complexities of 2025's fears requires acknowledging external pressures and prioritizing internal well-being. Even small changes — like getting some steps and sunlight before looking at a screen, committing to weekly chess nights or simply reading or journaling — can create ripple effects that enhance one's personal and professional life.
Dr. Julie Gurner, Doctor of Psychology and globally recognized executive performance coach who helps clients achieve peak performance, emphasizes that "incorporating wellness practices isn't just self-care; it's a business strategy. A rested and focused leader is far better equipped to handle challenges than a burned-out one."
By taking intentional steps to integrate these practices into your routine, you'll not only alleviate stress but also position yourself for sustainable success in an unpredictable world.