10 ways to overcome the fear of failure

Once you've failed at something, it's hard to forge ahead because of the fear of failing again. Everyone experiences some sort of a letdown at one time in their life or another, but the best thing to do is get right back up on that proverbial horse and don't let the fear of failure hold you back.

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This is easier said than done because overcoming that distinct fear of failure is hard to do. According to statistics, 33% of people don't start their own businesses out of fear of failing. There are several techniques and measures you can make use of in order to help you overcome your fears.

1. Tell yourself "I can do this"

Remember the children's story, "The Little Engine that Could"? In the story, the train couldn't get up the hill and he kept telling himself, "I think I can, I think I can" and lo and behold, he succeeded! Yes, you may have failed at something in the past, but that doesn't mean you'll fail again. Even if it's an attempt at something you've never tried, keep in mind the old adage, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". If you fail, at least you can say you took that chance. If you've never even tried, you automatically lose. In some ways, losing is worse than failing because you'll never have made the attempt and you'll always wonder, "what if?"  If you have a dream, be it launching a startup, pursuing a promotion, or making a change in your career, keep positive and give it your best shot.

2. Maintain a positive attitude

A positive approach to situations can make or break them. I think when we look at the glass as half-full instead of empty it opens up a realm of possibilities and motivates us to give those intimidating things a try. Don't think of these as failures, view them as learned lessons. Over the course of our lives we learn from our mistakes -viewing these as positives, not negatives, can do wonders. Even if something doesn't work out, they are all learning experiences, which is always of value and a win in itself.

3. Focus on your inner self and do some self-reflection

What is the reason behind your afraid of failing? Is it because of past mistakes or just the fear of failure itself? Identifying the reason can help you move forward because if we look deep within ourselves we often find ways to immobilize fear. We also realize good opportunities are worth the risk. Additionally, taking chances is a way to discover what it truly is we want to achieve; this can inspire resilience.

4. Take baby steps

If your fear is extreme or truly preventing you from moving forward or making those much-needed changes in your life, don't jump in full force. Instead, take it a bit slower and get your feet wet a little bit at a time. This sometimes eases you into an opportunity - depending on the situation this may not be possible. But if it is, it can help ease the transition and make it less scary.

5. Talk to others

Reach out and communicate with other people who have dealt with the same situation you feel you've failed at. See what made them succeed and ask them if they have any tips. If anything, they'll likely be able to offer some moral support so when the going gets tough, and you'll have some words of wisdom to fall back on.

6. Be persistent

Keep trying, to quote another old adage, "If at first, you don't succeed, try again". Everyone has failures from time to time, but failures provide us with the wisdom to not make the same mistakes twice. When we relentlessly don't give up, this too can inspire confidence because determination replaces fear as the leading emotion, and resilience is a good attribute to gain.

7. Is the risk worth it? 

Most of the time, chances are the answer is yes. Hopes and dreams, and goals give one an ability to shine through any fear which may exist. Sure, some apprehension may still be present, but the focus will be on trying to succeed rather than worrying about the fear of failure.

8. Identify your fear

What is it that is driving the fear factor? Is it because you failed at something in the past or is it fear of the unknown? Once we can effectively establish what the fear is, it is easier to manage because we know what it is we are up against.

9. Consider worse case scenarios

If you don't succeed, what will the outcome be? Is it something so terrible you can't imagine bouncing back from or is it something manageable? Often when we look at things from this perspective we realize a failure won't be as bad as we think. This alone helps mitigate some of the fear of blowing it.

10. Mobilize your fear

Take your fears and make them work for you. Use them as the driving force to conquer your hesitations by allowing them in to inspire and motivate you rather than languishing within you.

Overcoming fear is one of the biggest obstacles people have with change. Change is intimidating, but much good can come from it. The thing is, you'll never know unless you try. By not letting fear run the show, you can ultimately discover your fears are conquered and you'll have more confidence when the next big decision or change arrives in your professional life.

**(Note: This is an article I originally wrote many years ago (somewhere between 2007 and 2010) and have recently updated it. Unfortunately, it had previously been plagiarized by a content thief, so it may appear this content isn't original, and thus, unfortunately, may still be found elsewhere on the web).