Overcome Fear of Failure - Be Aware, and Take Action!

How can fear of failure be such a big problem to so many people? And why do we all worry so much about failing that we engage in all kinds of self-sabotaging activities - many times subconsciously - just so we do not begin something that we may not successfully complete?

Well, this is another case of one of those fears that are learned as a child, alas.

In the beginning, children learn to talk, learn to walk and explore their world of 'constant new' without trepidation and without fear. Unfortunately, at some point something becomes 'too difficult', maybe, and a child struggles to learn something as quickly as they (or their parents) would like.

So, as children, we slowly start to forget how much we love learning to do new things and replace our eagerness with hesitation when trying something different. And this is especially so if our early 'failures' were rewarded with stern words from our parents, or - worse! - ridicule.

And, as adults, we are soon fully integrating this subtle fear into all aspects of our lives via procrastination and self-sabotage. When all we actually need to do, to overcome this fear of failure, is to remember what we did as a child and to take action.

But first you have to be aware that you are suffering from fear of failure in the first place.

So, yes, our salvation from fear of failure lies in two words beginning with A: Awareness, and Action.

So first comes awareness. And where does awareness come from?

Well it comes from listening to others and seeing how they act, and listening to how they think you should act.

It comes from noticing your thoughts - especially when you use the word "can't" in relation to your abilities, your dreams or ambitions.

It comes from being brave enough to wonder why (and how) others your age have already achieved the things that you want to achieve.

Awareness comes from facing yourself - with love and acceptance.

Next comes action. And here you have to remind yourself of all the times you have successfully taken action in the past.

Here you have to learn to undo all the negative self-talk that has mostly gone unnoticed in your adult life so far.

Here you have to tell yourself that you CAN!

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one."
-- Elbert Hubbard

Remember, then, that fear of failure can be overcome by being aware of your fear and then taking appropriate action.

Remember, too, that there is no time like the present...