Fear of failure is a common fear that many people struggle with. It can hold us back from pursuing our dreams, creating the life we desire, and even transforming ourselves. In this blog, we will explore what fear of failure is, why we are afraid to fail, and how to overcome this fear.

Table of Contents

• What is Fear of Failure and Why Are We Afraid to Fail?
• Do This to Truly Overcome Fear of Failure
• Questions to Help You Reflect
• An Example: This Happens When You Decide to Change
• Let Your Biggest Fear(s) Come True
• What’s Next?

This blog is generated by AI based on our video about this topic. You can watch our video below. Prefer to read on? Just scroll down below the video! 

What is Fear of Failure and Why Are We Afraid to Fail?

Fear of failure is more than just a superficial fear that is holding you back from creating change. It actually is the fear of facing the consequences of our failure. These consequences often involve having to feel heavy and intense emotions that we have suppressed in our past such as grief, anger, sadness, or shame. So, our fear of failure is deeply rooted in our past experiences.

As children, we may have experienced relational trauma, emotional neglect, or situations where we felt unsafe. To cope with these situations and the intense emotions tied to it, we suppressed them and made a subconscious or conscious deal with ourselves to never experience them again.

When we try to step out of our comfort zones and pursue something new or challenging, these past fears and emotions are triggered, sabotaging our efforts and blocking us from moving forward. While fear of failure may seem like a bad thing, it is actually a protection mechanism that tries to shield us from reliving the pain of our past.

Do This to Truly Overcome Fear of Failure

To overcome fear of failure, we must confront and process the suppressed emotions that are tied to our fear. We need to acknowledge, accept, and integrate these emotions into our being. By inviting them into our existence and understanding their origins, we can begin to heal and move forward.

For example, let’s say you have a dream but find yourself holding back and not fully committing to it. When you ask yourself why, you may discover that you are afraid of failure. Digging deeper, you realize that you fear being seen as a loser, unworthy of love, and incapable of success. These thoughts and beliefs stem from past experiences where you were shamed or blamed for making mistakes or failing, even if they were not your fault.

Once you have identified the core beliefs and emotions tied to your fear of failure, it’s time to face and process them. Sit with the emotions, grieve, cry, and feel them fully. Give yourself and these suppressed emotions the attention and support they need. Treat them as you would a scared, hurt child, and listen to what they need to heal. 

Questions to Help You Reflect

Reflecting on your fear of failure can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. Here are some questions to guide your reflection:

• What do I want to do?
• Why am I not doing it?
• What happens when I fail?
• What do I believe about myself when I fail?

By honestly answering these questions, you can gain insight into the underlying fears and beliefs that are holding you back.  

An Example: This Happens When You Decide to Change

Let’s use an example to illustrate how fear of failure manifests itself. Imagine you have decided to change your life and pursue your passion for art. As you take steps towards this new path, you may find yourself feeling anxious, doubtful, and hesitant to fully commit. These feelings stem from the fear of failure and the suppressed emotions tied to it.

When you dig deeper and ask yourself why you feel this way, you might uncover thoughts like, “If I give my all and fail, it means I’m not good enough.” These thoughts are a confirmation of the pain and trauma you experienced in the past. By acknowledging and processing these emotions, you can begin to heal and release them.

Let Your Biggest Fear(s) Come True

To truly overcome your fear of failure, you must confront and process your biggest fears and suppressed emotions. It may seem counterintuitive, but by allowing your biggest fear to come true, you will free yourself from its grip.

This process involves identifying your suppressed emotions, acknowledging and accepting them, and integrating them into your being. It requires sitting with these emotions, grieving, and giving yourself the support and understanding you need. By doing so, you can release the power they have over you and move forward with confidence.

What’s Next?

Overcoming the fear of failure is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, emotional healing, and self-compassion. It’s not something that can be achieved overnight, but with persistence and dedication, you can break free from its hold.

Remember, you have the power to overcome your fear of failure and create the life you desire. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and healing, and trust in your ability to transform and grow.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. If you have any questions or would like to explore the topics discussed further, feel free to reach out. Have a fantastic day!

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