How to overcome the fear of failure and succeed in life
In my humble 37 years of existence, I've come to realize that fear and failure are a necessary part of life. I think fear in itself is not a bad thing. For me, fear is something natural and neutral that can be used to one's advantage or disadvantage.
The way I look at fear, I believe it's necessary for one's personal growth. If you're comfortable and not being challenged at any stage of life, it could be that you've found a comfort zone and settled there. This is a subtle type of fear that of sort eases you into a life of mediocrity and underachievement. I've been there and I know how dangerous it is to find oneself in such a predicament. You know exactly what you ought to do, but for some reason beyond your understanding, you just can't seem to get yourself to good start on that task.
You keep telling yourself that it doesn't really matter, you'll get it over with later anyhow. Days go by, then weeks, then months, then years. Then if you're like me, you soon realize that you've actually been putting off the one thing that really defines and fulfills you. You keep looking and finding very ingenuine excuses for not doing what you already know you should be doing - all along robbing not just yourself, but the world of raw and unique talent. That's is the worst part about fear. If not properly identified and dealt with, it can go almost unnoticed and become a cancer that slowly eats away at your soul until you're totally drained.
A wise man once said that the richest place in the world is the cemetry. When I first heard those words I was shocked (just as you might be right now!). But soon I came to appreciate the harshness of the truth in those words, which slapped me so hard in the face and forced me to take a long and hard look at myself in the mirror. That's when it dawned on me that I was soon approaching the 40 year milestone and I was still not fullfilled in life. Blame it on whatever you want, the reality is that I had simply lacked the courage to step out on a limb and live my childhood dreams. I was afraid of becoming a failure. So, I settled for less, rather than go all out and risk failing. I had played it safe. But, I guess safety isn't sexy. In fact, this very fear almost certainly guaranteed that I would fail.
In the cemetry, explained the wise man, there are so many dreams that were never fulfilled. Books that were never written, songs that were never sang, ideas that never materialized, inventions that never saw the day of light, houses that were never built and so on.
My new state of enlightenment made realize that I was living on borrowed time. Time was and is my greatest resource and treasure. So, I told myself that no matter what, I'd give my best to use my time to serve others with the gifts and talents that I've been blessed with. I came to the conclusion that between men and the cemetry there's just time. Nothing else matters. It's only a matter of time. And the question that I kept asking myslef is this: when my time is up, will any of what I've done really matter? I still don't know the answer to that question. Perhaps, some day I'll find the answer. But there's one thing, that I'm certain about, and it's this: there's not time to waste, and I want every minute of it to count.
I no longer view fear and failure as foes, but friends. Fear encourages me to push against my barriers and reach new frontiers. Meanwhile, failure shows the best way to arrive at my destiny. So, next time you come across fear, don't stress. Just look him straight in the eye, and firmly shake his hand, then smile and say to him, "welcome aboard!" Keep your head up and keep going regardless of his presence. If used correctly, fear will fuel your appetite for success and get you out of that comfort zone and push you beyond your limits. Before you know it, fear will give way to courage, and courage will take you on one hell of ride in a fulfilling and successful life.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on board, and take on the ride of your life!
Recent Comments
2
Well said, my friend.
I think you are well in charge of your destiny now.
All the best with your journey here.
Joe