12/05/2021
Being afraid of failing is a completely normal response to starting anything new. While we can’t totally remove our fears, it is important to understand the key indicators of fear and the ways to overcome them, channel or circumvent them in order to successfully navigate the trying waters of any new ventures.
Here are some of the signs which indicate that the fear of failure is holding you back-
1. *You are not comfortable to try new things* – You choose to avoid any possible chance of failure by turning down any new experiences. This is an indication that you avoid taking risks, developing new skills, and creating something exciting. All because you’re afraid of failure!
2. *You set low expectations of yourself* - You often tell others that you’re “not very good” at something or that you don’t really hope that you’ll be able to succeed, that you are just “experimenting” without giving your 100%. These signs indicate that you have a fear of failure. By setting low expectations for yourself, you’re protecting yourself from criticism – both, from your own self and from others!
3. *You Procrastinate* – There are approximately a million reasons why you can’t, or shouldn’t, or won’t start doing something new right now - You don’t have enough resources, you’re super busy, there’s a pandemic going on, you’ve got too much on your plate. *Fear is fluent in all excuses*. Sure, all of those excuses might be founded in truth, but if you really want to start a business, no excuse should ever be powerful enough to hold you back. Excuses are a strong defense mechanism against your fear of failure. If you never get started, you can’t fail!
4. *You judge others based on their success or failures* – Pay attention to how you look at failure & success when it doesn’t involve you personally. That’s a great insight into your beliefs about it.
_How to overcome this fear of failure?_
1. *Let go of limiting beliefs* - Our actions and mindset matter more in moments of loss than in our moments of triumph. The ability to conquer limiting beliefs and find inner strength is what separates the achievers from everyone else. Replace those limiting thoughts with empowering beliefs that affirm your self-worth and professional skills. By following this, you will be able to control the fear of failure instead of feeling captivated by it.
2. *Take learnings from failures and move on* - Just as yours (or anyone else’s) past laurels cannot ensure continued success; similarly, past failures do not make you a failure; in-fact failures are great opportunities to learn from; take your learning from your failures and move on; life is too short to be spent in regrets!
3. *Mitigate your risks* - Gain knowledge about your goal, put consistent effort, ask help, seek mentorship – all these are well researched and sure shot ways for achieving success!
The fear of failure doesn’t have to limit you. Learn how to overcome it and take charge of your success in life!!
