Fear of Failure

Posted by Scott Williams
12 Comments
May 15, 2008
Leadership | Life Application

Failure is a very common fear that we all face at different times in our lives.  This fear is often paralyzing and inhibits us from reaching our maximum potential.  It is important to understand that you will fail, I will fail and your biggest hero on this earth will fail.  You must embrace the fact that failure is an inevitable event, rather than you being a pitiful person.  Once you understand this premise, and welcome the fact that failure is part of your personal development, you will then be given permission to fail…. and fail often. 

I have a history of trying new things, pushing the envelope, doing my own thing, questioning everything and failing.  My supervisors/mentors and I have always had the understanding that I will try new things and they may have to correct my course at times; however I will learn from my mistakes and this process will repeat itself all over again.  Our understanding gives me permission to be innovative, permission to fail and permission to “Be Me.” This process generally leads to a high level of competence, a high level of success and a greater dependence on God. 

The more you fail, the more calculated your risks will become and remember: “It doesn’t matter what happens to you, but rather what happens through you.”  Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda never Dida! 

Do you fear failure?  Why?  What risks do you need to take?

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12 Responses to “Fear of Failure”

  1. Heady May 15, 2008 at 7:21 am #

    It drives my wife a bit nuts because of my willingness to take risk and try new things…pursue my ideas. I get this from my father http://www.hzflorida.com who is a risk taker as well. I’m still learning to make sure my risk are planned and calculated which most of the times they aren’t (lol). But, they’re always great moments to learn from.

    Reply
  2. Robin Meadows May 15, 2008 at 7:48 am #

    My risk calculator is REALLY BIG.

    Reply
  3. Kevin Bussey May 15, 2008 at 8:27 am #

    Maybe I should fear it more than I do, but I really don’t. I’m a risk taker. Unfortunately I’ve failed a lot! :)

    I’m learning to take more calculated risks now.

    Reply
  4. ~abi~ May 15, 2008 at 8:31 am #

    sometimes i think i fear success as much as i fear failure. middle ground is less scary than either to me. i’m working on that. :)

    Reply
  5. roger May 15, 2008 at 9:51 am #

    I will usually allow my employees to push the envelope and failure always looms but I tell them it is hard to make anything better without failure

    Reply
  6. Suzanne Wild May 15, 2008 at 11:49 am #

    “This process generally leads to a high level of competence, a high level of success and a greater dependence on God.”

    I would say that we saw an EXCELLENT example of this last Saturday, 5/10/2008, at the 5:00pm experience!

    Reply
  7. Natalie Witcher May 15, 2008 at 11:59 am #

    Not sure I really fear it, I just live in guilt becuase I might not be up to par. that might still be fear. God and I are having some serious converstaions about this lately. He’s cool

    Reply
  8. Brian Howe May 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm #

    I think it would honestly scare me more if our Church wasn’t taking risks!! I agree, I would much rather be pulled in then have to be pushed!

    Reply
  9. SolShine7 May 15, 2008 at 1:04 pm #

    I’m still learning to embrace the fact the failure happens to everyone, even my heroes and role models. I can be too hard on myself and expect perfection which can never happen. But your post is exactly what I need to be reminded of. It’s all part of the growing process.

    Reply
  10. Bert Boan May 15, 2008 at 4:40 pm #

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    Reply
  11. Hope May 15, 2008 at 5:39 pm #

    I do. I fear failure less than before but still too much. But you know what I fear more, and I shouldn’t, is that other people will see me as a failure. God’s working this out in me right now, it hurt a tad, but I’ll live – as a matter of fact – I’ll thrive. Thanks for the post, Scott.

    Reply
  12. Chilly May 16, 2008 at 2:00 am #

    At times, I have a fear of failing at truly living out God’s mission for my life. I know that sounds spiritual. But, I’m talking about being a great husband, father, neighbor, and friend. I don’t want to be a pastor that preaches unlived truths…
    – ultimately, and simply, I think this is what the fear of the Lord is all about. It keeps my focused, humbled and loving.

    Reply

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