How Not to Be a Chicken

Zack Greenfield • December 21, 2021

Today I want to go over something that really hits home for me and for a lot of others, and that's how not to be chicken. So stick with me and we're gonna go over bravery courage and how to avoid being and losing out on great opportunities. 

So this came about a couple of different ways for me this week. I was teaching a class at the local college and one of the topics that came up is being bold and differentiating yourself. And it occurred to me, after I was told that I was being a chicken this week, that it was easy for me to get up in front of the class and say - be bold and be ready to differentiate yourself. But that also can be really unnerving and take a lot of courage. And sometimes when those situations present themselves, we all can get a little chicken.

There are some times that I'm a chicken just like everybody else. And here's the way I think about it. I think going in the right direction, you really need to think how big the opportunity is like what's in front of you, what's at stake if you're able to find some bravery, right? So if you're able to dig down and set aside your fears and your worries about whatever the outcome might be in balance of the fact that there might be this amazing opportunity for you, then it sort of feels like more of an equation that makes logical sense. And maybe that's not really like the emotional pathway to getting it resolved, but a lot of these things in life are just that we need to apply some logic to calm our emotions down. 

And so, you know, from a marketing perspective or even in your personal life, there are moments when we need to stand up and be bold and we need to be brave and we need to seize the opportunities that are in front of us. In order to do that, we need to set aside some of those like reservations and self doubt, fear and all that sort of little voices in our head. And I think one of the best ways to do do that is to apply some logic to it. Some, you know, practical information, which is - how big is this chance that I might be forgoing if I let these emotions take over and run me in this moment. Right? And if the opportunity really is meaningful for you, then it's time to set those emotions aside and be bold and hold of the courageous person inside of you and run with that. 

So in the past, when I've had my moment to being chicken, those are the thoughts, what am I missing out on here? Or, how can I seize this and put that to bed? So it might be a public speaking event, it might be making a video for your business, it might be standing up and teaching, it might be putting your name on something, or a project at work or taking credit for something. And a lot of times those are great opportunities for us, and we need to just be bold and have courage. So I wish you the best of luck of getting up and meeting your own greatness, and being brave in all of your endeavors.
GET HELP TODAY
By Zack Greenfield February 19, 2026
AI-driven tools, rapid model cycles, and new consulting models are shaking up marketing. Learn what today’s business leaders need to thrive.
By Zack Greenfield February 17, 2026
Tired of chasing SEO tricks? Here’s why Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is rewriting the rules—and what your business must do to win in 2025.
By Zack Greenfield February 11, 2026
Adaptive marketing isn't hype—it's your growth edge for 2025. Learn proven strategies and takeaways to keep your business ahead of trends and algorithms.
If Your Website Can’t Answer, You’re Invisible: The Rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) in 2026
By Zack Greenfield February 6, 2026
Stop being ignored by AI: Upgrade to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and make sure your business shows up where real decisions happen in 2026.
By Zack Greenfield February 3, 2026
Is unlimited PTO really a perk or just clever HR spin? Discover what business owners need to know before jumping on the bandwagon.
By Zack Greenfield January 29, 2026
Break free from copycat marketing. Discover 2026's boldest strategies—plus proven lessons from Crocs, Applebee’s, and Super Bowl campaigns.
By Zack Greenfield January 27, 2026
Ditch the endless posts. Discover how retailers and brands are redefining storytelling in 2026—and where your customers are actually paying attention.
By Zack Greenfield January 22, 2026
America's entrepreneurship boom is set to break records in 2026. Here’s how business owners can capitalize on this unprecedented growth trend.
By Zack Greenfield January 21, 2026
Discover how X's $1M Articles Feature can transform your brand strategy. Unlock new revenue, content reach, and business growth opportunities in 2025.
By Zack Greenfield January 21, 2026
AI-powered ads are rewriting the marketing rulebook in 2025. Here’s what business owners must know to win without losing control (or money).
Show More