Success Formula: Being Embarrassed

Being embarrassed is a natural human emotion, but in the context of business, it can become a roadblock to success if not managed properly.

Reframing Embarrassment as Growth: Instead of seeing embarrassment as something to avoid, view it as an indicator that you’re pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Successful people don’t avoid embarrassment; they use it as a tool for personal and professional development. When you’re willing to look foolish or make mistakes, you open yourself up to learning experiences that others may shy away from.

Resilience in the Face of Embarrassment: Building resilience is key to handling embarrassing situations. Instead of letting a mistake or failure define you, take the time to process the event, learn from it, and move forward. Each time you bounce back from an embarrassing moment, you strengthen your resilience, making it easier to handle future challenges.

Let’s say you’re a business owner who has never given a public presentation. You’re invited to speak at an industry event, but you fear making mistakes in front of an audience. This fear of embarrassment might lead you to decline the invitation, missing out on an opportunity to showcase your expertise and build your brand. However, if you embrace the possibility of making mistakes and still move forward, you’ll not only gain valuable experience but also increase your visibility in the market.

Consider how Richard Branson, a renowned entrepreneur, embraces being embarrassed. He’s taken risks and made public mistakes, from failed business ventures to awkward public appearances. However, each time he learned from his failures and used them as building blocks for future success.

Practical Exercise:

1. List three situations where you’ve avoided taking action out of fear of embarrassment. For each situation, write down what you could have gained if you had embraced the risk.
2. Take one small risk today: Do something that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable, whether it's speaking up in a meeting, posting a bold opinion online, or asking for feedback on something you're unsure about.
3. Journal your feelings of embarrassment: The next time you feel embarrassed, write down how it made you feel and what you learned from the situation. Revisit this journal entry later to see how it helped you grow.

Being embarrassed is a part of life and business, but it’s not something to avoid. It’s a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks, which are necessary for growth and success. By embracing embarrassing moments, learning from them, and moving forward with resilience, you position yourself for long-term success.