Why You Should Stop Fearing Failure

We had such a fun weekend with our niece in town.  Her and I worked on our vision boards and as we were chatting about creating our lives on purpose, we also discussed the concept of “your either winning or learning”.  It was a discussion around how the fear of failure often holds people back.  She is only 8 and already thinks of me as “crazy Aunt Michelley” so I’m not sure how much of it will stick just yet, but hopefully what I share helps you.  

Many people, including myself, grew up being afraid to fail.  Always get the A, be the top performer, don’t mess up - all well intended and always a nice feeling to win, but many times the desire for perfection stops people from trying new things.  We have complete control over what failure means to us.  If you search the definition of failure it is simply “the omission of expected or required action”.  Most people just stop expecting, or set low expectations so they either never fail, or recycle the same life.  What I want to suggest is change your thoughts about failing, and be open to finding how success can be acquired through failure, and willingness to fail.  Consider failure as learning.  Your confidence will grow as you become more willing to fail, knowing you will not give up, and you will get better and better every time.  

Decide you want to include failure in your life, as opposed to moving away from it.  Often people just don’t show up, and ultimately fail ahead of time.  Other times they sit in a state of confusion in order to avoid failing.  Notice if you find yourself not taking action because you tell yourself “I don’t know”.  Staying undecided and confused is the sweetest way to avoid failure.  Be on to yourself and pay attention, because at the same time you avoid failing you are also avoiding success.  If you are not sure, tell yourself you “are learning ways to figure it out” - this will put you in a more empowered state to take action.  Think of the things you would do if you were not afraid to fail in the way you currently define it.  Instead define failing in a way that makes you want to move toward it and watch your life explode as you try things you never imagined.  That my friends is something I will keep telling my niece, and I hope you embrace as well.  Try it out - you will blow your own mind!       

Each week I offer 2 free mini sessions, first come first serve, to women who have had weight loss surgery and find themselves still struggling with food, or have developed a new struggle with over drinking.  I can help you cut back on drinking, feel more peaceful, and in control.  Sign up here to apply, no obligation, for a 20 minute session.