An overwhelming fear of failure – It’s generally one of the biggest issues for Social Anxiety sufferers.

fear of failure-inadequacy T-shirtThere’ll be times for everyone, when they struggle to do a thing, in case they mess up. The problem is when those things are being put off, because of a fear of failure. Especially when in most cases, the likelihood of true failure is extremely low.

The reason for this fear is usually because we think people are much more interested in how good or bad we are at doing that thing. In reality, they’re much more interested in themselves and aren’t really that bothered about how well you’re doing it.

 “It was my fear of failure that first kept me from attempting the masterwork. Now, I’m beginning what I could have started ten years ago. But I’m happy at least, that I didn’t wait twenty years.” ~ Paulo Coelho

 

Apart from situations that are obviously difficult, or dangerous, etc. most fear is really just ‘F.E.A.R.’….

That’s False Evidence Appearing Real.

Our minds develop protection strategies to help keep us safe. Unfortunately, often those strategies can be over the top!

There’s plenty of information about failure, on this site and others. But, if you’d like some ideas on how to deal with it, you should read:

‘5 Habits to Increase Your Self-belief’

Expand your Comfort Zone to Increase Your Confidence

Failure and SuccessAnd, even if there’s a very real chance of failure, all is not lost. Failure often brings success with it, you just need to know where to find it. Failure isn’t as bad as it seems if you frame it properly. If you’d rather listen, there are several podcast episodes about overcoming thoughts of failure as well.

Have a read, or a listen, then take some small steps toward beating that F.E.A.R. 🙂

If you’ve got any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below.

Steve

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