Are you struggling to get started living your dreams and accomplishing your goals because you’re afraid you’re going to fail? It’s a natural feeling. Even the most successful people fear failure. However, the difference between successful folks and those who haven’t achieved their dreams and goals is what they let fear control.
Fear of failure can hold you back or it can help you grow
Accepting that fear is a natural and human response is only the beginning. What you do with that fear is the key to success. If you take that fear and forge ahead regardless, then you learn how to quieten your fear. This makes you stronger the next time it creeps up. You’ve learned that fear is just an emotion – useful if a bear is chasing you but not so useful in business.
You can also let the fear hold you back. Then you learn that fear is stronger than you are, holding you back from achieving any goal that feels risky.
Failure means you’re trying
Failure is something that happens only if you’re trying. No trying to achieve any goals and there’s no failure, right? Ask anyone who’s achieved a respected level of success how they got there, and chances are they’ll tell you it took perseverance, a lot of failures and the determination to look failure in the eye and continue on. No one achieves any level of success without failing, often many times. The difference between them and others is that they have the ability to manage their fear.
Getting beyond your fears
There are two types of people in the world, it seems. There are those who dive right into the cold swimming pool and those who must start by dipping their toe in first. What type of person are you? If you’re a dive right in sort of person, then the best way to get over your fear of failure is to establish a goal, a goal that’s risky and you might not achieve, and then to just do it. Acknowledge your fear and then shove it aside.
If you’re a dip your toe in type of person then the best way to overcome your fear is with a bit of analysis. Take a look at exactly what it is you’re afraid of. Are you afraid you’ll lose money? Look ridiculous? Do a bad job? Once you’ve analyzed exactly what it is you’re afraid of, ask yourself what’s the worst that could happen. If you’re afraid of doing a bad job, what’s the worst that could happen? Generally, the worst, unless it’s certain death, is so much more insignificant than our fears.
Take a look at your business goals
What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t achieve them? Now, ask yourself what’s the best thing that can happen when you do achieve them? It’s worth the risk, right? Whether you’re a toe dipper or a dive right in, there is a way to manage fear of failure. Know that it’s human, it serves a purpose and you’re stronger than your thoughts and emotions. Go out there and take a few risks!