Overcoming the Fear of Failure
In our modern world, the expectations for us to have an online presence are ridiculously high. There is a massive difference between having a team around us versus sitting on our own, staring into our smartphone and noticing all our insecurities - wrinkles, frown lines - the list goes on. I am talking from experience … years of it! It makes me cringe even now. But we all have these quirks and must embrace them (note to self, Rania: practice what you preach). We all naturally want to stay in our comfort zone; our subconscious wants to protect us – maybe from previous knocks or scares. It’s a form of self-preservation but also a massive barrier to happiness and success. To put it bluntly, it can bugger off because we all need to start living our best lives.
Why do we do this to ourselves … why, why, why
Who else is guilty of being too self-critical and missing out on opportunities? Remember that what you have experienced before is not what you are experiencing now. Pause and remind yourself that there are always new opportunities … but are they ones you want? That’s the big question.
Sometimes if I run in the opposite direction, it’s because I don’t like something, and that’s fine … so I keep on running (not very fast, admittedly!). Other times, my action is based on fear or nerves, which is crazy. I should be running towards it, with my arms outstretched, shouting, ‘I WANT THIS, DON’T GO ANYWHERE’ - either way, we need to stop letting the fear of failure determine our choices.
I am getting better, but I want you to join me on this journey. Let’s do it together.
Fear of failure keeps you stuck in your comfort zone
Just stop for a second and breathe
When we continue to live with the constant fear of ‘what if’, we never experience the positive side of taking risks and trying new things. We miss out on so much. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US? By behaving this way, we stop living and instead just exist …I don’t want that, do you? So change it.
Once you stop questioning yourself, you can start taking risks and stepping towards things you haven't dared try before. I don’t believe we should allow ourselves to be held back in our pursuits just because we’re scared of failing. Imagine all the amazing things you could experience if you were a little braver. It’s kinda exciting if you think about it. ‘Feel the nerves and embrace them’ is my mantra.
I know it’s scary to leave your comfort zone, but you can override that part of your brain; you might surprise yourself. You CAN learn how to break free … see what I did there? Sorry, the taxi is en route!
Click here to listen to my story and introduction to my Breaking Free podcast Breaking Free: Overcoming the Fear of Failure on Apple Podcasts.