Failure- The inability to meet or achieve the desired objective. The fear of failure refers to the anxiety or agitation one feels about not being able to meet up the desired goal or the inability to realize objectives. It is the fear of not being successful and the concern an individual feels towards an underperformance. Such fear is called ATYCHIPHOBIA. The fear of failure could originate from several things such as high expectations, feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism, low self-esteem, traumatic experiences from failed attempts etc.
Living with the fear of failure (effects)
People who are afraid of failure often strive for perfection and abhor anything that looks like failure. They cannot stand to be incorrect at any point in time.
Living with a constant fear of failure is almost like being caged. How so? Fear is a mindset that controls our actions and emotions. For one thing such fear would hinder one from trying to do new things. An individual who lives with the fear of failure will be hesitant and unwilling to engage in new activities even though they are promising and seem beneficial. On the surface, this might not seem to be a problem, but it is. If you do not try a new business, how would you know how much success you can get? When you are unwilling to get a new job, how do you grow? Individuals that live in perpetual fear of failure often miss out on some of the best things in life.
In addition to that, they sometimes get left behind. Those who are afraid to fail are often stuck on old ways of doing things. The world is constantly evolving and sooner than they think they are backwards. A major sign that you suffer from fear of failure is constant procrastination. Procrastination is not always a sign of fear of failure, but it needs to be kept in check.
Causes of fear of failure
People are afraid of failing for various reasons.
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For some, it could be a result of childhood trauma. Individuals who were overly criticized as children may end up having a great deal of fear of failure. They would be adults who are constantly seeking validation from others and would be worried over what their failure or what unsuccessful attempts might look like before others and as such will be too afraid to do things.
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Some people on the other hand are afraid of failure because of the reputation they have already gained. They are afraid that trying their hands out at new things which
may fail would mar their reputation.
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Some others have set high expectations of themselves and cannot stand to do things incorrectly. They have the mindset of a perfectionist. While that isn't an entirely bad thing there are dangers associated with perfectionism. https://www.thoughtco.com/understanding-perfectionism-4161254
How to let go of the fear of failure.
Fear is a healthy emotion, and it is completely normal. Fear of failure however is what needs to be kept in check. No one ever wants to fail but sometimes failure is an ingredient towards success. And as humans, we are not perfect and where there is no perfection It is reasonable to expect that you would not always succeed. What can you do to let go of your fear of failure?
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Admit to yourself first of all that you suffer from the fear of failure
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Identify the root cause of your fear. Why are you afraid? Is it because of your upbringing, your boss or something else? Identifying why you are afraid of failing is necessary for you to be able to overcome your fear.
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Draw inspiration and strength from the likes of Walt Disney and Steve Jobs who failed severally before getting to where they are. Acknowledge that it is okay to fail, it only shows you are human. And learn from your mistakes.
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Avoid comparison. Comparing yourself to others would only be damaging to you. The comparison they say is the thief of joy. Rather identify and focus on your strengths. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/120-sms-marketing/personal-development/1510-how-to-find-your-strengths
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Always think ahead while you make your plans. Visualize worst-case scenarios alongside the best possible outcomes. This helps you to prepare your mind for whatever happens. So even when you fail, you are not completely thrown off balance and disappointed in yourself.
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Weigh the cost of your fears. What are you losing out on? Is it your dreams and aspirations or a shot at a lifetime of happiness? Step. out of your fears and create the life you want. https ://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/120-sms-marketing/personal-development/1508-how-to-create-the-life-you-want
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Be flexible. Always have alternate plans and routes. When things aren't looking up stop and chart a new course. Avoid being fixated on a particular way or method of doing something.
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Give yourself a break. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Celebrate every small win, even that of others.
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Avoid dwelling so much on your achievements. By doing this you can define yourself by some other metrics other than what you have achieved and so when you fail you are also able to recognize that your lack of success does not define you.
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As much as possible maintain a positive attitude always. To do this you would need to limit your situation with perfectionists.
It is important to note that the 10 points mentioned above would go a long way in helping anyone who suffers from a fear of failure to overcome such fear. In some cases, individuals might need to seek psychological help especially when it begins to affect life and living in no small measure.
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