Overcome the Fear of Failure

What is it that drives you, motivates you, and compels you to do something…to become something greater than who you currently are? Every one of you reading this wants to do something, build something, or experience something more in life. Some of you are already out there doing it. For those who aren’t, what’s holding you back? Chances are, your limitations are defined by an underlying fear of some kind. For most, this fear presents itself as one of the most menacing and intimidating fearful accomplices—the fear of failure.

So there you are, faced with an opportunity to try something new, to seize the moment that will fundamentally change your life as you know it. There is no apparent reason to avoid going “all-in” and fully immerse yourself in the promises that await. Yet, you hesitate, despite everything begging you to take advantage of the opportunity. What’s that about anyway?

 

The fear of failure robs more people from experiencing an elevated lifestyle than most any other form of physiological or psychological obstacle or distraction. Authorities often refer to this as “getting in your own way.” Well, what if there was a method to get out of your own way? Turns out there are actually several things you can do to virtually eliminate this fear. Let’s explore 4 of them.

Your First Time

Think of the first time you accomplished something. It could be anything. It doesn’t really matter if it’s something recent or something from your past. The first time you drove a car to the first day on the job to the first time you attempt most anything, you are unfamiliar with just what it is you’re in for.

 

The lack of familiarity and uncertainty can be a rather fearful experience. When faced with uncertainty, our mind quickly jumps into protection mode and “warns” us of the potential ways we would be better off not following through. “What if you fail?” “What if you get injured?” “What if you lose money or credibility?” These kinds of questions are all indicators of a fundamental fear of failure. However, chances are you did not have that same level of fear and apprehension the second and subsequent times you actually took action, unless you actually did fail miserably at your first attempt. Why? Because you’ve…

Been There, Done That!

Uncertainty affects us more than the fear of failure. That’s right, the fear of failure is actually the result of your unfamiliarity, which is directly associated with inexperience. So, the fundamental solution to a lack of familiarity is to find ways to overcome this aspect of fear. Find a way to expose yourself to the experience of whatever it is you fear. If you want to start a business but are afraid of what it may take, try to find a business you can launch while you’re still able to keep your day job and pay your bills. If you want t learn to swim…you’ve got to get in the water. Just don’t get in over your head (metaphor intended).

 

Once you have “been there, done that,” the task takes on an entirely different perspective as you become familiar with the various ways you can control, operate, or manipulate the situation. The result is typically a set of (familiar) circumstances that gradually begin to empower you as the fear of failure subsides.

Compared to Who?

Have you ever watched from the “sidelines” of life and wondered, “If she can do it, I can certainly do it as well, if not better”? Take a look around and watch those who have succeeded in whatever area you wish to accomplish and ask yourself what it took for them to succeed. Chances are, you’ll eventually see little difference beyond the fact that they were able to succeed despite facing some of the very same fears you now face. The truth is, most of these people have no special advantage outside their ability to face the fear and do it anyway. You can do the same.

How many times have you seen ordinary people do extraordinary things? It actually happens a lot more than we readily care to admit. We pause in awe at their accomplishments while wondering just how they managed to do what they do best. The sad truth in this is, we rarely ever see the hours of preparation, the struggles, and the defeats or setbacks they encounter along the way. These things are what make ordinary people extraordinary. They are typical circumstances in the quest to become someone, to experience more.

Better than the Alternative

I have always had a fondness for the victory I experience after acting in the face of fear and doubt. I particularly enjoy it when I follow-through on something most other people are afraid of doing. But it’s not so much about them as it is me when it comes to overcoming the fear of failure.

“You can have, do, or be anything you want in this life as long as you’re willing to help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Some of my greatest accomplishments have come despite the fear of failure. To mitigate that fear, I do everything I can to consider the choices facing me. I analyze, evaluate, and prepare according to the situation that presents itself. Most of the time I have only the bare minimum of information, but it’s typically enough to provide the gut check I need to act. Then, I act…and adjust as necessary. The strategy has served me well throughout most of my life. Perhaps you can give it try.

 

What if something is (seemingly) so hard, it simply doesn’t feel worth it to pursue? Well, quitting is the easy option, but completely robbing yourself of the chance to try is tragic. The real truth is, we are all going to die one day. Wouldn’t it be better knowing you tried rather than dying with the burden of regret? I know many good person who has expressed the pain of regret on a myriad of missed opportunities along the path of their lives. I don’t plan to be among them when my number comes up. How about you?

Until Next Time...

~ G ~

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."

                                                              ~ Sven Erriksson

Proud to Announce My New Partnership

 

With Writer

 

Elisabeth Auld

Writers write because we are called to do so. We write because we are driven to tell a story, prescribe a theory, formula, or fact. We write what we see, feel, sense, and believe. We do this whether we receive accolades, acknowledgement, or anonymity. We’re seldom long satisfied with the completion of our work as we continue to heed the call of the next thought, idea, or inspiration.

 

I believe we all have a story…each and every one of us. And while some choose to keep that story to themselves, writers are compelled to empty their hearts and minds to eliquate, elaborate, and articulate the messages and narratives that must be written. Such is the case with the writers whom I have had the distinct honor and privilege to get to know on a personal level. One such writer is longtime friend and former Air Force colleague, Elisabeth Auld, who writes a periodical blog entitled...
Gals in Blue.   

 

 

 





 

Elisabeth is a retired US Air Force full-bird Colonel (translation: she was one small step away from the rank of General) whose style of leadership inspired the loyalty of those who followed her and the attention and respect of those who worked alongside her. She is a Naval Warfare College graduate and has garnered several military honors, awards, and decorations. She is the creator and chief contributor to Gals in Blue, a blog principally focused on issues and interests related to a woman’s perspective of serving in the military, although she is known to cover a variety of other topics that catches her interest as well.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to affiliate with Elisabeth and her wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives inside the edition of Gals in Blue. I encourage you to visit her blog and leave a comment or become a follower. I look forward to the new writing connection partnership as we reach an even broader audience together!

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Introspection is proud to announce its affiliation with writer Elisabeth Auld

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FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

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