Move Over, Atychiphobia!

You are not alone, my dear. Fear of failure is common to everyone.

Atychiphobia is the fear of failure or failing. When you’re starting a new venture,
switching careers, or trying something new, or for no matter what intent, this fear can plague and limit us.

This too is one of my fears. It presents itself when I am developing a new product, conceptualizing a new marketing effort, learning a new sports. It presented itself strongly the first time I ever lead a team at the age of 23 and last year when I decided to become a business owner. For me, it took many question forms in my mind with one thing in common – doubt!

Are you wondering how you can overcome this fear so it doesn’t stop you from fulfilling your dreams? So it doesn’t keep you from enriching your life? So it becomes a tool for you to be successful instead?

I’ve studied this fear in order to help myself, my friends and my clients. I’ve applied these practical steps and have found them to be effective. When you get busy with these, suddenly your mind will start to veer away from worrying that you will fail.

Imagine the worst case scenario

I love the idea of taking a step back, don’t you? It allows us to approach a situation more objectively. So do this and ask yourself, “what’s the worst thing that could happen if __________?” Is it really that bad? Or is it only an imagined tragedy?

It helps to recognize that sometimes because of atychiphobia, we imagine 10 different negative scenarios of which 7 of them are never really going to happen. Trust yourself that you will know if they are outcomes you really need to be concerned about.

And finally, is concerning yourself with these negative scenarios worth more than the gain of venturing into something you know would a real difference in your life?

Action Cures Fear

Do EVERYTHING what you otherwise would do because you are ruled by fear of failure.

David J Schwartz said in his book, The Magic of Thinking Big, that “action cures fear. Indecision, postponement, on the other hand, fertilize fear…”

Instead of not venturing into your fabulous new business idea, not making that career switch your heart has been tugging you to do, or not trying a new activity that will help you improve your self-image, just GO FOR IT! Take the first step into actualizing what you know you are meant to do.

Remember, What you nurture, grows. When you choose to nurture the courage in you, the voice of that fear will grow weaker and weaker.

Prepare a contingency plan or Anticipate Needs

If the worst case scenario is indeed something to be taken seriously, have a Plan B or even C to make you feel more confident in moving forward. If you’re worried that your plan may not give you the income you need, does this mean you need to work a part-time job to cover your bills? Or if you’re worried you will not perform in a new job, maybe its useful to hire a coach or ask an experienced friend to mentor you?

Refuse to use the worst case scenario to rationalize your inaction.

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.” – Elbert Hubbard

So how about we beat fear of failure starting today?!

Ask yourself what things have you been putting off to get to your goal or what you want in life?
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And what little things can you already do today to move forward?
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With you in overcoming atychiphobia,

Ariane