How do you overcome a fear of ‘failure’?

Those that know me well know that I do not see anything as a failure….

Everything is learning and feedback.….

Yet, I know that a fear of failure as a leader?can feel real!?

Leadership is all about stepping into your full potential and guiding others to do the same.?

Yet, even the most seasoned leaders of us can be held back by a fear of failure.?

As I know from my own experience and the leaders who I support........

This fear can stifle growth, erode confidence, and prevent you from leading with authenticity and impact.......

Especially when the need to fit in kicks in!

However….. we can choose for fear of failure to drive us forward to succeed….

To prove ourselves and others wrong!?

As I mentioned in my poll yesterday.....?

I’m now aware how much my fear of failure delayed my progress when I was studying for my PhD?when I was in the Army.

I had set up a case for military nurses to be funded to undertake PhDs for the 1st time....

I was the one funded as a test which increased the pressure I put on myself to succeed!

Even though my university supervisors were always very supportive and told me I was well on track for success…..

This was in 2009......I didn’t believe them!

I decided it was time I addressed my ‘fear of failure’ ….

I found a coach to support me

This was transformational for me!?

I was unaware that I had old beliefs like old software working in the background telling me….

‘Who did I think you are to be too big for your boots?"

All because I’d been told at school that I wasn’t intelligent enough for university 'so you best stick to nursing rather than medicine!'

Don’t get me wrong I loved my midwifery and nursing career….

Then I was in awe of anyone who studied for a degree and thought how intelligent they were.

Then an opportunity arose in the Army to study for a BSc(Hons) part time on top of my busy Army job…

With my mantra of grabbing every opportunity… I applied

9 months later I was awarded a 1st - shock!

I ended up with a MEd (Distinction)

I'd loved the study so I kept the fear at bay

A PhD was a different story!

Overcoming this fear of failure to success was a life changing experience for me....

I learnt leading teams globally that....

Overcoming such fear of failure is crucial to becoming a resilient, authentic leader.?

Acknowledge and Explore the Fear

Start by acknowledging that the fear of failure exists. Where does it come from? What stories are you making up about your ability that are not based on reality?

This fear can also stem from a fear of judgment, loss of reputation, or the worry of letting others down.?

Reflect on how this fear shows up in your leadership—does it cause you to avoid taking risks, play it safe, or shy away from new challenges??

Understanding the roots of your fear is the first step in overcoming it.

Embrace Failure as Learning

Shift your mindset to see failure not as a reflection of your worth but as an opportunity to learn and grow.?

Each setback provides valuable insights that can help you become a more effective leader. By embracing failure as a learning experience, you can take more calculated risks and innovate with confidence. After we can have innovation without it.

Learn to trust yourself??

Look for evidence how you have coped and risen above fear of failure in the past.??If you did it and succeeded in the past, why should it be any different now? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????

Develop a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is essential for overcoming the fear of failure.?

This mindset views challenges as opportunities to improve rather than as threats to your competence.?

Leaders with a growth mindset are more resilient and are able to bounce forward when things don’t go to plan and move forward with greater ease.?

Cultivate this mindset by focusing on continuous learning and viewing every step as a stepping stone to success.

The fear of failure can be overwhelming when you’re facing large, daunting goals.?

To manage this fear, break down what you want to acheive into smaller, manageable steps.?

Each small success will build your confidence and reduce the fear of failing at the larger task.?

Celebrate EVERY small win to keep yourself motivated and on track - especially those wins that you don’t initially see as a win!

Build a Support System

Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and a coach who can provide encouragement and perspective when you face challenges.?

This support system can help you see beyond your fears and remind you of your strengths and challenge any unhelpful thinking.

Don’t be afraid to seek advice or share your fears with trusted colleagues.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself when you encounter setbacks.?

Understand that ‘failure’ is a part of the leadership journey and that every leader experiences it at some point.?

Practicing self-compassion allows you to bounce back from failures more quickly and with a positive attitude. Remember, it’s not about avoiding failure, but about how you respond to it.

Conclusion

Embrace ‘Failure’ as a path to your growth.

Overcoming the fear of failure is essential for any leader who wants to lead with authenticity and impact.?

By acknowledging this fear, redefining failure as a learning opportunity, developing a growth mindset, breaking down big goals, building a support system, and practicing self-compassion, you can transform failure from a stumbling block into a stepping stone for growth.

How have you overcome a fear of failure?

Love to know!?

Take care

Lizzy

#Resilience #Leadership #GrowthMindset #HighPerformanceTeams

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As Release Your Potential we help directors and aspiring leaders to embrace their resilience, confident leadership so that they can communicate with impact, influence, power and purpose to build high performing teams. No body armour required! Let’s speak!