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How to Overcome Your Fear of Failure


We all have fears and phobias. Phobias emanate from past negative experiences related to a particular event or object. Genetics and the environment also influence phobias due to learned behavior and heredity.

Fears are irrational phobias for objects, situations, and places. Though the things and situations pose no immediate danger, they provoke fear. Phobias are long-lasting and can affect our lives, careers, and manner of socializing.

Fear of Failure

Atychiphobia is the fear of failure. The fear of failure is something affecting many people. As they say, our dreams, success, and desired life are on the other side of our worries.

The fear of failure manifests through reluctance to try new and challenging things. It also involves self-sabotage, perfectionism, low self-esteem, and negative self-talk.

Failure

The definition of failure varies from one person to another. The variation is due to different values, upbringing, beliefs, benchmarks, expectations, and cultures. 

Overcoming the fear of failure

The fear of failure can be numbing and incapacitating. Without overcoming the fear of failure, we miss out on opportunities and experiences.

So how do you deal with your fear of failure?

Know the source of your fears

Critical parents, traumatic experiences, and problematic childhoods affect us in adulthood. Screwing up on an interview or presentation can hinder your confidence in the future. It robs you of your faith, self-efficacy, and belief in yourself. Your environment, including friends and family, can also add to the fears. 

Redefine Failure

Failure is not the destination but a learning experience. You must shift your definition of failure and see it as a learning experience. Failing at something doesn't negate your capabilities, talent, skills, and opportunity for growth. Learn new habits. See failure not as the destination but as a point in the journey.

Don't remain stuck in failure

We experience failure, but we shouldn't remain shackled by fear of failure. Rise from those ashes and try again, and again. Challenge yourself out of your comfort zone and keep losing, overcoming, and winning.

Don't be afraid of failure

There will always be a chance in all that we do. You will fail countless times. But don't be afraid of failing. It's better to have tried than never to have tried at all.  Embrace the chances to fail, grow and flourish.

Don't allow your fears to hold you back

Overcoming the fear of failure may never happen. Strive to making constant progress and attempting the very things that scare you. Athletes become better by putting in the work and hours. Trying the same things that scare you is the only way to overcome your fear of failure.

Positive thinking

You should be your biggest fan and motivator. Adulting teaches you that no one is coming to save you. Other people, including family, spouses, and friends, have their shit to worry. You must thus think positively and cut back the negative thoughts and self-talk.

Visualize all outcomes, rationally


Fears are irrational phobias for objects, situations, and places. Though the things and situations pose no immediate danger, they provoke fear. Phobias are long-lasting and can affect our lives, careers, and manner of socializing.

Ask yourself if your fears are rational. What is the worst that could happen? If I win, ace the interview, the business takes off, that girl says yes, or I become a better version of myself.

Successful People Have Failed Before

Harvard rejected Warren Buffet, and Michael Jordan was cut from the high school team. Jordan's coach didn't think Jordan had the requisite skills.

Richard Branson dropped out of high school. Find motivation in the failures and eventual successes of others. You aren't condemned to failure.

Embrace Change

Change is the only constant in life. Embracing change and seeking new experiences is the best mantra to live. Accept challenges and possibilities with the optimism of a child. Your attitude and perspectives will shift with adventure and curiosity. 

Learn from your mistakes and keep going

You will stumble and fall in life, make mistakes, and have doors slammed on your face. Learn from those mistakes, learn new tactics, have a positive attitude, and try again.

Find motivation

Find a group of people that motivate you. Have someone that affirms you and keeps you grounded. Surround yourself with positive people. Also, avoid overly critical people.

Give yourself a pat on your back when you achieve something, and affirm yourself even when you screw up. Speak and think positively.

Don't give up

While the likes of Jordan and Branson might have given up, they didn't. So don't give up. Try that thing that scares you the most. Start that business, go to the gym, shift neighborhoods, go to another state/city, or get that degree.


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