A fear is such a special emotion that is pre-programmed into all people and animals as an instinctual response to potential danger. Speaking biologically, when a person feels scared, certain areas of his or her brain are activated immediately and appear to control the first physical response – a fear.
While a common type of fear is a response to a real or perceived immediate threat, there is also another fear type which is called anxiety – subjectively unpleasant feelings of dread over anticipated events. And when we fear something that cannot actually harm us, it can escalate to a point where it affects our daily functioning, and we find ourselves constantly afraid of events that haven’t happened yet.
Fear of failure is one of the most common and most damaging fears that many people struggle with. This fear comes from the belief that if you give 100% and fail, then you’re a failure. This is the most devastating form of fear and overcoming it is essential for success.
Percentage of 18-64 population with positive perceived opportunities who indicate that fear of failure would prevent them from setting up a business, according to The GEM Adult Population Survey (APS), 2015
That is the reason why it is so important to get rid of this fear and here you can find seven efficient ways for how to do that.
1. Realize you are panicking
Many people get overwhelmed with emotions without realizing what should be done in one or another situation. That is why they start acting immediately and unwisely and it makes them regret it later. One of the pieces of advice given by psychologists is to realize that you might be panicking. The quality evaluation of the situation will bring about more positive results and worthy conclusions.
Another reason if you can’t make up your mind what should be done. In this case, you had better start looking for help if something seems impossible to overcome.
Image Source: Beck’s cognitive triad
2. Identify your worst-case scenario
A fear of failure usually makes people give up on even the tiniest difficulty they face. But a fear becomes a great obstacle on your way so it is desirable to stop and think what might await you if you do not perform the assigned task or work properly.
Identifying the worst scenario that you might face in case of being overwhelmed with fear, you will see whether the consequences are really severe and require immediate involvement. In most cases, people realize that there are no obvious reasons to fear and make the right conclusions not influenced by it.
3. Do a reality check
Many people perceive a situation in a much more catastrophic way than it is in reality. Many facts that they consider truthful are only imagined by them, so a quality reality check is a necessity. Apart from thinking of the worst-case scenario you can ask yourself several questions that may return you to reality:
- What consequences of the worst scenario have actually happened?
- How bad is this scenario really?
- What am I really afraid of?
- What good does this fear bring to me?
Answering these questions, you will remind yourself of the lack of likelihood that your actual fear might ever happen in ordinary life and ease your stress.
4. Reject perfectionism
Considering perfectionism a healthy ambition, people make a great mistake as it is one of the ways to cause failure.
Children, who are always encouraged to receive only excellent grades, suffer much more if they fail to do that. Such a trifle it may seem can result in long-term depression or even suicide. The reason of that is the fact that perfectionists refer everything to match unreasonably high standards and have to experience failures when they can’t do anything up to scratch.
It is much better to adapt to various situations and accept them with healthy conclusions. Being perfect does not mean to be happy and that is the main thing to be remembered by people.
5. Think about the great people of history
Each of us is always in need of an example to follow and the great people of history can play an important role. If you see that you can’t find a way out of a situation, it is always nice to see how other more successful people used to do it. By doing so you may find numerous examples of how to overcome the fear of failure that has already brought about worthy results.
You can also put yourself in the shoes of these people and imagine how they would act in this situation. Being inspired you can cope with any difficulties and fear.
6. Talk to someone
It is impossible to keep all of your problems inside, as your brain may eventually burst! The same situation concerns fears: they start eating us from the inside killing the rest of the common mind.
One of the best ways to get rid of fear at least partially is to speak with other people on this topic. You will see that you get rid of part of the burden, but many people are also capable of giving a good piece of advice to help overcome it. Share your fears and they will soon diminish.
7. Change your perspective on risk
People say that risk is a noble thing. If you do not risk, you cannot subdue the highest peaks. No matter how terrifying the case is, it is necessary to move ahead breaking down all the obstacles on your way. Of course, thorough planning will not do any harm, and in fact can contribute to the right problem solution, but if you have noticed that you postpone starting all the time, it is time to take a risk. Only actions will bring about results!
Wrap up
Fears are present in each person’s mind, but there are people who confront them, and people who bury them deep inside. The latter ones are much more subject to stress, depression, and life troubles. Each fear is your worst enemy that should be neutralized. Fear of failure is not an exception.
If you have noticed that fear follows you regularly, take into account these tips and you will be able to get out of this life game a fearless winner.
Guest Author: Alexandra Foster is an ex-English teacher who helps parents/students and organizations with educational planning. She is a tech savvy, who loves to write about education and technology. Currently helps Noplag Team with their educational blog. Feel free to contact her on Twitter or Facebook.