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FEAR OF FAILURE
Whenever I speak with or interview successful and exciting people, I always walk away with a sense of awe regarding their lack of fear in their pursuit of a worthy goal. Yet, I wonder if the fear of failure for most of us is the biggest obstacle in our attempt to live a life that is more fulfilling and joyful.
This fear of failing at any personal or professional endeavor can be so strong that we sit on the "sidelines" of life, watching other people playing their best game. The phrases "I wish I had their confidence . . . their life . . . their money . . . their relationships . . . their faith" continue to surface as we long for an existence that is full of energy and meaning. And yet, if we examine the road we've taken to get us to where we are today, I wonder if it is full of decisions that we've made to minimize the chance to fail rather than one in which we've tried to maximize the chances to be more successful. Do you see the immense difference here? People who are playing life "safe" are handcuffed, partially immobilized by the fear of how they may be judged by others if their quest doesn't turn out the way they had hoped. On the other hand, those who are trying to maximize their lives are looking for opportunities to excite them, stretch them, make them show up and take the exciting chances that life has to offer. And please don't confuse these people with blind risk takers. Quite the contrary. Many of these successful people are far from daredevils. Maybe their relationship is so strong because they chose someone based on an internal connection rather than choosing someone who others would approve of. They looked past race, color, religion, and chose someone they knew they could love at the deepest possible level.
Evaluate your life and determine today if your fear of failure is the one obstacle that you must learn to release so that the life of energy and joy you desire becomes reality.
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Search. Grow. Love.
love, peace, david www.davidessel.com
During a discussion recently, the topic regarding our need to follow our dreams came up. A woman had to decide if the challenge of working seven days a week for a twelve month period of time was worth the potential end result of creating the life and work she's always desired. Within one hour, the result from our caller survey was unanimous . . . 9 out of 10 people said it would be worth the risk. What about you? Would you be willing to commit to one year of this type of schedule to be doing what you've always wanted? Could you look at this situation creatively enough and devise a mental plan of attack where you could survive the demands of this type of a schedule? Realistically, what is 12 months of your life, if on average we live for 924 months?
I believe a lot of times we take the easier, "conforming" path in a life we forget just may be able to be filled with more excitement and joy if we are willing to make a few different sacrifices along the way. We fall victim to the belief that by doing what the "average" person would do is really the only way to play it. And I admit following your own journey and going after your dreams, which almost always means creating a nonconformist path, will ruffle a few feathers of those who want you to play it safe . . . be more normal. But the rewards in many cases are too great to pass up.
As an example, when we make the decision to go to school full-time and work full-time, we are able to create the confidence in ourselves that too few people seem to have, a confidence and exploration of our greatness that many never get a chance to experience. Search . Grow . Love . Express yourself.
If you believe this article can help someone you know, please pass it on.
Search. Grow. Love.
