Ways to overcome the fear of failure in ourselves.
Fear of failure is an enemy we often don’t realize. It whispers doubt when we want to try something new and makes us hesitate when we are on the verge of a big decision. Failure is a natural part of the process toward success. In this article, we will discuss in depth 15 ways to overcome the fear of failure so that our lives are no longer controlled by fear but by the courage to try.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.
Why Are We Afraid of Failure?
Before getting into how to overcome the fear of failure, let’s first understand the root of the problem. Fear of failure arises from various things: painful past experiences, pressure from the environment, perfectionism, or expectations that are too high for oneself.
Imagine a small child who was once scolded for falling while learning to ride a bike. In the future, he may be afraid to try new things for fear of “falling” again. That’s the psychological wound we unconsciously carry into adulthood.
The good news, though: it’s possible to overcome fear. Here are 15 real, inspiring steps to help you overcome your fear of failure.
1. Admit That You’re Afraid.
The first step is to admit it. Many of us try to cover up our fears by saying, “I’m just not ready yet,” or “I’ll wait.” But underneath, there’s a bigger fear that we haven’t faced yet. Acknowledging your fears is not a sign of weakness, but rather the first step to courage.
🎯 Tip: Take some time to write down your feelings in a journal. State what you’re afraid of and how long you’ve felt that way.
📝 Example: “I’m afraid to try a business because I lost a lot of money in the past. I’m afraid of losing money again and being considered stupid by my family.”
2. Change Your Perspective on Failure.
Instead of seeing failure as the end of everything, see it as the best teacher. Many great people—like Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, and even Steve Jobs—failed before they achieved success. They don’t give up; they learn from their failures.
🎯 Tip: Make a list of lessons you learned from each past failure.
📝 Example: My first business failure taught me the importance of money management. I am now better prepared to face challenges.
3. Identify Your Specific Fears.
Fear of failure can often feel like a fog. It’s unclear. Ask yourself, “What am I really afraid of?” Is it the fear of being laughed at? The fear of losing money? The fear of disappointing others? When fears are specific, they’re easier to deal with.
🎯 Tip: Use the “5 Whys” technique to get to the root of your fears.
📝 Example:
• Why am I afraid of starting a podcast?
• Because I’m afraid no one will listen.
• Why am I afraid of not being heard?
• Because I don’t feel smart enough.
(…and so on).
4. Imagine the Worst Case Scenario.
Sounds counter-productive, right? But when you imagine the worst-case scenario and realize that you can still survive and bounce back, your fears often diminish. This is the principle of a psychological technique called exposure therapy. What is it?
Exposure therapy is a technique in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) that is used to help someone overcome fear, anxiety, or phobias. The basic principle of this therapy is to “face fears gradually” rather than avoiding them.
🎯 Tips: Write the worst-case scenario on paper, then write down how to deal with it.
📝 Example:
• Scenario: The Business doesn’t sell.
• Solution: Try to validate the market early, work on the side while building a brand.
5. Change Your Self-Narrative.
Often, we fail because of the negative words that we repeat in our heads. From now on, change that narrative.
🎯 Tips: Create 3 new affirmations that you say every morning.
📝 Example:
1. “I am enough, even though I am not perfect.”
2. “Every mistake brings me closer to my goal.”
3. “I deserve to succeed.”
6. Focus on the Process, Not the Result.
Fear of failure often comes because we focus too much on the result. All we can control is the process. Focus on getting better every day. Over time, the results will follow. Remember! Every effort does not lie in the results, and be sure that you will enjoy the results of the process that you go through with hard and smart work, to achieve the prosperity you dream of.
🎯 Tips: Create a habit tracker or progress journal to record daily progress.
7. Visualize Success.
Instead of imagining failure, train your mind to imagine success. According to The Science of Visualization – Forbes. Positive visualization actions are scientifically proven to increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety.
🎯 Tips: Do a 5-minute visualization meditation every morning. Imagine yourself succeeding and feel the positive emotions.
8. Start Small.
Don’t jump straight to the big goal. Start small, which builds confidence. Like climbing a mountain, you start from the first step, not the top.
🎯 Tip: Break down big projects into micro-actions.
📝 Example: If you want to start a YouTube channel, your first step today is simply: “Determine a channel name” or “Research 3 similar channels.”
9. Don’t Be Afraid of Being Judged by Others.
Many of us are afraid of failure because we are afraid of being labeled a “failure” by others. But, the reality is that other people don’t think as highly of us as we think. Focus on your journey, not other people’s opinions. Never listen to negative things people say about you because it will be an obstacle in pursuing your dreams.
🎯 Tip: Write down 3 positive things about yourself every time you feel inferior.
📝 Example: “I have original ideas,” “I learn quickly,” “I care about quality.”
10. Surround Yourself with Supportive People.
Our environment greatly influences our mentality. Being around supportive people who understand that failure is part of the process will make you stronger. Find a mentor, community, or friends who can be your support system.
🎯 Tip: Join a community with the same vision (e.g., Facebook group, Telegram, or online class).
11. Learn from Other People’s Experiences.
Take the time to read biographies of successful people or listen to motivational podcasts. You will find that almost all of them have failed. Failure is not the end of the story—it is just the beginning of the journey to success.
🎯 Tip: Read one biography of a successful person every month or listen to an inspirational podcast while traveling.\
12. Make a Backup Plan.
One of the most effective ways to overcome failure fears to have a plan B. When you know there is an alternative path, you will be more courageous to step forward.
🎯 Tips: Always think of plan B, without reducing the enthusiasm for plan A.
📝 Example: If you fail to get a job at a big company, the backup plan: take a freelance while learning additional skills.
13. Train Your Mentality Every Day.
Just like muscles, your mentality can also be trained. Use positive affirmations, meditation, or daily journaling to form a strong Success Mindset. Consistency is the key.
🎯 Tips: Implement a healthy morning routine: affirmations, journaling, light exercise.
📝 Example: Morning:
• Wake up at 5-6 am
• Write down 3 things you are grateful for
• Affirmation: “I am ready to face today.”
• Stretching for 10 minutes
14. Appreciate Yourself When You Fail.
When you fail, don’t immediately blame yourself. Appreciate every effort you have made. Get up in a gentler way, not by judging yourself.
🎯 Tip: Don’t immediately evaluate when emotions are still hot. Take time to rest and empathize with yourself.
📝 Example: “I failed today, but I tried my best. I need a break. I’ll try again tomorrow.”
15. Remember That Not Acting Is Much Worse Than Failing.
Failing hurts, but never trying hurts even more. Don’t let fear bury your potential. The world is waiting for something only you can offer.
🎯 Tip: Ask yourself: “What will I regret 5 years from now if I don’t try this?”
📝 Example: “If I don’t write this book now, 5 years from now I’ll still regret it and wonder: ‘what if?’”
Conclusion: It’s Okay to Be Afraid, But Don’t Let It Control Your Life.
Overcoming the fear of failure is not an instant thing. It’s a process. However, every small step you take is a victory in itself. You are not the only one who feels afraid. Many great people started from the same fear.
Take failure as a growth opportunity, not a reason to quit. You are stronger than you think. You just need to take a step, Small Habits That Make You Greater no matter how small that step is today.
If you found this article useful, share it with a friend or family member who is struggling with the fear of failure. You can also read our other articles, such as Life-Changing Self-Development Plan to deepen your self-development journey.
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Awesome. Thank you for the tip.