Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Life is a game in which we all take a gamble every so often, but what sets us apart from the winners is our attitude when we get into the game.

Wouldn't it be great if we were all mentally tough and could take whatever life throws our way? Fear of the unknown is what usually holds us back from doing anything remotely interesting and different. Usually though, this only takes the backseat to an even bigger fear, and that is fear of failure!

We simply become too afraid and settle for mediocrity simply because we do not want to be humiliated. We accept defeat and convince ourselves that we aren't capable of succeeding. We should keep in mind that while negative thoughts create gloom, the energy radiated by having a positive attitude is reflected in our actions.

The same goes for our professional lives. Some of us go to work, do our job, and basically do everything as a routine of habit. We are far from being satisfied with our careers but we carry on nonetheless. Why? Because that's what we do and are familiar with.

We have other dreams but keep them on the back burner because we don't know if we have the right abilities and talents. If we do decide to pursue our dreams and do what we are most passionate about, we fear that we aren't good enough and that we might humiliate ourselves in the end. Our life can become a sham with this attitude, and we definitely have to pursue our innermost desires to have a chance at happiness.

If you have a fear of failure, this is not unique to only you. Many other people dread the thought of losing. However, it is important to note that this fear can do more than keep us from being successful. It holds us back from living the kind of life we deserve. Often times, this form of terror develops over a period of time, often triggered by memories of sadness.

Because we did fail in the past, we know how it felt when people laughed at us.

The truth is, we are good enough. We may not be talented in some areas, but surely there is something at which we can excell. We need to improve our self esteem and realize that life is all about experimenting. If we fail, then maybe we should look at the process and see what went wrong. Every good scientist knows that they have to come up with a good hypothesis before they test it.

We all have to be that scientist who willingly tries out every theory. The road to success is riddled with bumps and holes. It is only in trying that will we realize which ones should be avoided. If there's one thing that's certain, it's the fact that people who keep trying despite their hundreds of failures will triumph a lot sooner than those who don't make any effort at all.

So, how exactly can we all overcome fear? Just take little steps but be brave enough to give everything a shot. Those who quit will be those who will live their lives with great regret.

More Self Empowerment articles here.