Etchings on the Attic Wall

Highly Effective Work Habits:  Conquer Fear of Failure

I believe the majority of people have an innate fear of failure.  Nobody wants to fail.  Unfortunately, this often results in under-performing employees.  If you let your fear rule you, you’ll never take risks and achieve results.  A good lesson here is that the best way to learn is through failure.  You must come to the realization that no one is perfect, not even you   Everyone makes mistakes.  What differentiates people is those who learn from their mistakes and don’t repeat them over and over again.

Now, if you work in an environment where people call out your mistakes on a regular basis, it can be a bit more difficult to get over this fear.  However, as I have said before, you are only in competition with yourself.  If you don’t fear your own mistakes, no one else’s opinion matters.  Block out the critics and push forward.

If you are able to conquer your fear, you’ll be more apt to take risks and take the initiative on tasks/projects.  And since taking risks/initiative is the primary way to get yourself noticed in the eyes of your employer, it can lead to increased confidence in your skills and potential advancement in the company.

I admit that I suffer from this from time to time.  It can be a hard thing to overcome.  The key is to do what is right for you and the team.  There are always going to be people who say you can’t do something or point out your flaws.  You just can’t let it get to you.  Absorb any constructive criticism you receive and take the next risk.