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Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Don’t let the fear of failure keep you away from your destiny” – Jeanette Coron

Understanding Fear of Failure

Before we dive into overcoming the fear of failure, it’s important to understand what it is and why it happens.

How It Holds You Back and What to Do?

Fear of failure is a common obstacle that many of us face in our lives. It can hold us back from trying new things, stepping out of our comfort zones and reaching our true potential. But what if we could navigate through this fear and come out stronger on the other side? In this blog post, we will explore the fear of failure and share some tips on how to overcome it. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s have a chat about breaking free from those tight chains of fear.

What is Fear of Failure?

At its core, the fear of failure is the worry that we might not succeed in our endeavors. It’s a common feeling that touches everyone at some point, whether it’s becoming anxious over an upcoming job interview or about a business venture, or even the nervousness before talking to someone new.

Why Do We Fear Failure?

There are a couple of reasons why the fear of failure might chain us so tightly:

1. Social Perception: Often, we’re concerned about how our failures might make us look in the eyes of others. Will they think less of us? This fear of judgment can be nerve-racking.
2. Personal Self-Worth: Sometimes, our self-esteem is so closely tied to our achievements that any failure feels like a direct hit to our self-worth.

Strategies to Overcome Fear of Failure:

Now, let’s talk about how we can navigate through this fear with a few strategic actions:

• Embracing the Learning Process: One way to overcome the fear of failure is by viewing each attempt, whether successful or not, as an opportunity to learn. Remember, every successful person you admire has faced failure at some point. The key is what they learned from it.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: It’s okay to aim high, but setting realistic expectations can help lessen the pressure of needing to succeed at all costs. Understand that setbacks are a part of the process, not the end of your journey.
• Building a Support System: Having people around who understand and support you can make a world of difference. Whether it’s friends, family or a mentor, a strong support system can help you feel less lost in your fears. 
• Personal Reflection: I once had a dream of starting my own blog. But the fear of failure nearly stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t until I came to know about the Low Entropy Foundation that I realized that I can write blogs and overcome my fear of being judged. Here, I came to know about people with their struggles and hardships, and how they have achieved, step by step, what they wanted to achieve. I also realised that failure is a part of our trial. But without trying, you won’t reach anywhere, you won’t learn anything. Failure is a part of the process, but definitely not the end.

The Benefit of Facing Your Fears

Overcoming the fear of failure doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that unfolds as you take on new challenges. But the benefits are huge.

• Growth and Resilience: Each time you face your fear, you grow stronger and more resilient. It’s like exercising a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

• New Opportunities: Once you free yourself from the fear of failure, you’ll be more willing to take on new challenges and opportunities that you would have before stayed away from.

Taking the Leap

Fear of failure is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to define your story. By understanding it, implementing strategies to overcome it and leaning into personal growth and the support of others, you can navigate through your fears and toward your goals.

Remember, failing doesn’t make you a failure; it makes you human. Every successful person you look up to has failed more times than you can imagine. It’s all part of the journey. So, go ahead, take that leap, and know that you have the strength to rise, even if you stumble a bit along the way.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife, and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care and building genuine emotional connections with her readers to inspire them to improve their mental resilience.