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The Fear of Failure
We all grapple with the fear of failure at some point in our lives. But what if I told you that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to growth and innovation?
Andrew Cervantes
February 13, 2024
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
The Fear of Failure: Embracing Growth and Resilience
We talk quite a lot about innovation and the importance of utilizing your creativity to overcome challenges in your day-to-day.
Something that I’ve struggled with and that’s blocked my creativity in almost any situation where there’s a lot of pressure is my fear of failing… or embarrassing myself.
We all grapple with the fear of failure at some point in our lives. But what if I told you that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to growth and innovation?
“Shame leads to fear. Fear leads to risk aversion. Risk aversion kills innovation.”
-Peter Sheahan
The Paradox of Trying and Not Trying
Trying and Failing: When you invest effort and fail, it might seem like a colossal setback. But remember, failure is a teacher, not a punishment. Each failure brings valuable insights and lessons that propel you closer to success.
Not Trying and Succeeding: Even when you succeed, there's often an inner voice that belittles your achievement, claiming you didn't really put in much effort. Acknowledge your accomplishments and let go of self-doubt.
Not Trying and Failing: Avoiding challenges might shield you from failure, but it also keeps you from achieving your full potential. Embrace failure as a necessary part of growth and learning
It really is fascinating how our brains’ self-sabotage ourselves to save it from an outcome that doesn’t even exist.
We fabricate the idea of failure, we over-exaggerate the intensity of it, and we make ourselves believe it’s fatal.
Failure as a Learning Lesson:
Shift Your Perspective: Failure is not a scarlet letter; it's a badge of courage. The more you fail, the more you learn and adapt. Embrace the mindset that every failure is a stepping stone toward success.
Embrace Mistakes: While you might recall failures more vividly than successes, those very failures shape your journey. They teach resilience, perseverance, and the art of bouncing back stronger.
Liberating Your Creativity:
Breaking Free from Shame: Tying your self-worth to performance creates a cycle of anxiety and conformity. Instead, focus on your effort and the courage to take risks, regardless of the outcome.
The Fear of Conformity: Society often prioritizes conformity over creativity. But to truly innovate, you need to dismantle those filters that hinder your creative expression.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure:
Acknowledge Your Fears: Admitting your fear of failure is the first step. Identify the specific fears that hold you back and challenge their validity.
Start Small: Take baby steps outside your comfort zone. Each small success will build your confidence and resilience.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with individuals who encourage risk-taking and growth. A strong support network can bolster your journey to overcoming fear.
The path to success is paved with both victories and setbacks, each contributing to your growth and resilience. Remember, you have the power to transform fear into a driving force for innovation and creativity.
This journey is NOT about erasing the fear of failure entirely, but about ACKNOWLEDGING it and choosing to move forward despite it. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a declaration of your courage and determination to live a life unbounded by fear.
So, as you go about your week, keep in mind that failure is not an end, but a stepping stone. It's a testament to your efforts, your aspirations, and your refusal to let fear dictate your journey.
Embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as a catalyst for your future successes.
The Assignment
Identify one thing you've been avoiding due to the fear of failure. It could be trying a new hobby, sharing an idea, or even expressing your feelings. Your task is to take a small step towards it.
Here's How:
Pick Your Step: Choose one small action related to your chosen challenge. Keep it manageable and stress-free.
Set Aside Fear: Remind yourself that this step is about learning and growing, not about perfection.
Take Action: Go ahead and take that step. Remember, every small victory counts.
This challenge is all about embracing curiosity and defying the grip of fear. By taking small steps, you'll discover that the fear of failure loses its power, making way for exciting possibilities.
Reply to me with a 👍️if you’ll be participating in this assignment and if comfortable, don’t be afraid to send me your progress during the week!
- Andrew
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