Here’s a list of thoughts that haunt me. From talking to dozens of founders and CEOs, I know that this isn’t uncommon. Some of these thoughts are totally irrational. Some of them, totally sound. Most of them add very little value to my work.

• Being blind-sided by a competitive threat, whether it’s an actual competitor, or market change.
• Having a competitor out-execute us.
• Market change that will dry up revenues quicker than we can change our model.
• Hitting an invisible ceiling on growth, where our method just stops having any impact.
• Missing the signs of employee apathy
• Saying something really stupid in public
• Taking our community granted (by myself or by the team)
• Not planning or testing enough for a change.
• Planning for too long and taking too long to change.
• Being stuck in a paradox of contradictions

Well, that’s not the full list. But I didn’t want to put you to sleep — which I probably need.