Fear of Failure
My last post examined the idea, to attract abundance via the secret, often requires more action than one may expect. Action is needed to take law-of-attraction visions and turn them into realities.
Looking at its importance from another angle, consider the following…
To be TOO conscious is an illness. It’s quite enough to have the ordinary man’s consciousness. By which all so-called direct persons and men of action live. Such a man dashes straight for his object like an infuriated bull with his horns down. The man of contemplation, faced with a similar situation, will form many doubts and questions. Inevitably creating a “fatal brew” of emotions and doubts. This results in never being able to begin or finish anything.
Like the character from Dostoevsky’s “Notes from the Underground” (paraphrased above), it’s easy to be appreciative of individuals who can persuade themselves to take action once they have set their mind on a goal. Casting aside the book’s portrayal of these men as “beautifully ignorant”, I believe much can be learned from its concept that “paralysis can accompany too much thought”. I’d also like to take a look at where these thoughts may manifest from.
Earlier in my life, I often struggled with taking action, particularly when related to life goals. I would over-analyze each situation to death. Eventually, the consequence was the “fatal brew” previously outlined. Without absolute certainty of success I’d set them aside. Easily convincing myself that there would be more quality time to “do them justice” at some point in the future. Of course, this “future” rarely came forth. Looking back, I missed many golden opportunities for personal growth.
I was very surprised when I discovered fear of failure was the driving force behind this problem. This seemed too cliche for such a multi-dimensional personality as myself (I hope you can see my-tongue-in-cheek here). By making decisions in the manner described, my self esteem could remain intact since I never risked major disappointment. John Atkinson’s writing opened my eyes to this problem…
When the motive to avoid failure is stronger than the the motive to achieve success, the result is avoidance behavior.
For those familiar with Anthony Robbins’ pain/pleasure principles this concept is an old friend. Fear of failure was the trigger for my “analysis paralysis” and this would ultimately lead to the procrastination. Eventually, I would drop my inspirational idea, while wholly misinterpreting the underlying cause. I always imagined my decision was based on some type of solid cost/benefit analysis. But my input data was flawed right from the start!
Point to ponder:
Sow the seeds with intention. Reap the rewards with action.
Please don’t ignore that new job opportunity, which has been magically presented to you, because you don’t have 100% of the skills desired. That other “person of action” has only 50% of the skills required and is ready to take that job.
How best to avoid this behavior? The next time a favorable circumstance arrives, don’t over-analyze it. Don’t let it slip away. Immediately create some smaller “step” goals to test the waters. Once you’ve climbed these steps, take a look around. You’ll be better able to evaluate the situation from up there. I’ve personally found, that confronting fear of failure once this foundation exists, makes it far less difficult. Hopefully, you will then find the courage to build the remaining steps on your stairway to success.
For a final boost of confidence, remember that there will be value gained just from the simple act of pursuing these goals. Even the ones you don’t get 100% right.
ClearDeep.com - August 2007
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