However, experiencing fear and the fear of failure when it comes to something we want to do in life is part of the human condition. We have been conditioned to fear. Therefore, the reason behind the flight or fight response is built into our brain and nervous system. We’ll always find something where we hold fear. However, we have rational anxieties and irrational fears in our subconscious minds; how severe they depend on our personal experiences in our life.
The fear of failure is a common fear that most people have experienced. We don’t like to appear inadequate in front of others. Unfortunately, if you’re unwilling to risk failure, your life will be limited. Learning to deal with the fear of failure is a worthy goal. Most people avoid situations where they might fail.
Try These Strategies: Refuse to Allow the Fear of Failure to Ruin
Your Life Goals and Dreams:
- Define your fear. Step back, and sit with your fear. Examine what you are feeling. Write down precisely what your worries are. Are you worried about being laughed at by your peers? Have you listened to others who have said your goal or dream will never work? Would you feel bad about yourself if you failed? Are you worried you’ll never be successful and what family and friends will think about you? Do you worry about the investment you have to put in to reach your goal? Whether it is time or money, examine if the asset to commit is worth the risk.
2. Redefine failure. What is failure to you? Is it an inevitable and permanent result? Is it a sign that you’re incapable or inadequate?
- A healthier definition of failure is that it’s just an undesired result. You took a shot, worked towards a goal, and failed. You failed; truth be told, everyone has failed at success more than once. However, you can learn from that result and do better on your next attempt. That’s not so bad.
3. Visualize success. Rather than imagining yourself failing, imagine yourself being successful. Take five minutes a few times each day and imagine yourself succeeding. Notice how great it feels and focus on that feeling.
- Give your brain more images of success than of failure. In time, you’ll grow to expect to be successful.
4. Consider the worst-case scenario. What is the worst that can happen? Can you handle it? Of course, you can.
- Develop a strategy for dealing with the worst possible outcome. Once you’re confident you can handle the worst, there’s nothing left to worry about. Write down a list of the pros and cons of going after what you want.
5. Recall your past failures. You’ve overcome numerous shortcomings. How many times did you fail while learning to walk? To talk? And yet here you are. You survived. We fail in small ways each day, and the sun still rises the next day. The world will go on. Nothing is as bad as it seems when looking at situations through the eyes of fear.
- Yes, failure is painful. As a result, that is why our fear becomes so great within us. We must get over the anger, regret, feelings of disappointment, and even depression, depending on how big of a loss we have encountered. Everyone’s experience is different. You may be experiencing a “lack of self-worth,” and your confidence level is at an all-time low. However, you can overcome these feelings and limiting beliefs about yourself.
6. Become comfortable with discomfort. The thought of failure is uncomfortable; with that said, it doesn’t mean you have to allow it to influence your actions. The painful sensations of any negative emotions are just suggestions. You’re free to choose how you’re going to respond.
7. Start small. If you’re uncomfortable moving forward with your plans, start small. Take a small action and notice that you’re still okay. Then, tomorrow you can take a slightly more significant step. You’ll be taking massive action toward your goals in no time.
8. Consider what will happen if you allow your fear to stop you. Imagine yourself 20 years from now, and you never took the risk. How will you feel about that? You’ll almost certainly regret it. But, without honest regret, you will look back and ask yourself the “what if’s.” at some point in your future.
- Think back to your high school days. Remember that boy or girl you were too afraid to speak to? You didn’t try out for cheerleading or football as you wanted so badly. How do you feel about that now? However, you know you’d muster up the courage if you could do it again. Therefore, we tend to regret the things we don’t do more than what we do.
How Much Has Fear Impacted Your Life?
It’s okay to be afraid but silly if you understand your fears well. What’s not okay is to allow your fear of failure to keep you out of the game. Your life is passing by. Refuse to let fear get in your way. You only have one life to live.
Everyone is afraid when going after the goals and success they want in life. However, the difference between success and failure is not trying at all. No one is going to succeed at everything they do. The fact is; that not trying at all is already a failure.
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