The Fear of Failure

It does not allow us to reach our full potential. We play safe in a world that is rapidly leaving its culture. If you are not bold enough to fail, your success level will remain very low. Don’t undervalue the power to recover from failure. Think of the escaped opportunities. You may lead a moderately happy life, but you’re unlikely to stamp your presence on the world. Fear of the unknown is a major root of fear itself. Research on the potential upshots, both good and bad, so it’ll give you a glimpse of possibilities.

One of the things that I always do in the face of fear is putting myself in a worst-case scenario. If it detonates in my face, how long before I recover? Is it THAT hard? I have some form of backup plan to downplay my risks. It’s my calculated risk.

If you have ambitions but afraid to commit, coerce yourself into action. When I handed in my resignation, I made sure that I gave myself no chance of changing my mind. You see, fear of failure vanishes when you recognize that it can’t keep you safe in the first place.

Fear of Failure?

Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to my blog.

Tags: ambitions, backup, bold, calculated, failure, fear, opportunities, possibilities, potential, presence, scenario, success

Posted by Gallivanter Thoughts Subscribe to RSS feed

7 Responses to “The Fear of Failure”

Swee Ping
November 28th, 2007 at 12:26pm

I am currently in this dilemma. And kinda being pressured also. A lot of people been telling me to leave and that things will be much better, I can do much better, bla bla bla. But I myself do not have such confidence in myself.

To think about it, I was worried about failing myself. Failing people’s expectations but most of all, myself.

Guess, you are right. Have to get rid of the fear of failure.

Josh
November 28th, 2007 at 2:04pm

You are right, life is about taking calculated risk.
Hope you found a job or in a new business now.

I have taken that kind of leap of faith in 2004 when i quit to seek God’s direction. I was in IT sales then. Look at me now. I am practising law!

tihtahpah
November 28th, 2007 at 2:38pm

I think fear of failure is closely related to cowardice, no self confidence and low self esteem and being used to the comfort zone they’re in. That is why you often find yourself or your friends talking about ‘change’ – change job, change gf, change this and that but that’s just as far as they’ll take it to….just TALK. At the end of the day people do nothing about it and 20 years down the road, you’ll probably find these same people complaining about the same situation over and over again.

Aunty J
November 28th, 2007 at 5:10pm

I totally agree with you that you need to take some calculated risks (or I would phrase it as reasonable risks) not only to reach your highest potential but also to test the market, check out your “worth”, or simply just to satisfied your “what if” questions in your head. I think getting out of the comfort zone can lift up your confidence and motivation to move forward too. I made a few decisions that probably deemed as risky by some people. But hey, I am still ok and I have no regrets for all the decisions I made in terms of my career path. Of coz $$ sign can be a major factor… But yeah, I’ll say, get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to reach or realise your full potential! ;p

Aunty J
November 28th, 2007 at 5:15pm

BTW, like you said, always imagine the worst case scenario in case your fail so that you can be prepared. By doing so, even if you fail (practice makes perfect so don’t be despair IF you do fail), you can easily pick up yourself if you fall. But if you’re well prepared, you’ll have your butt covered way in advance so what’s there to fear too much abt being a failure ;p