Many fear doing what others have already done successfully. And then, there are a few with nerves of steel, the visionaries, who advance the world by confidently pulling off something the world has never seen before.
The classic example of such a visionary is Henry Ford who changed the automobile industry with his Model T car.
Even though, at that time, cars have been around for a couple of decades, traditional modes of transportation were still prevalent because cars were expensive and rare.
Thus, Henry Ford saw a great opportunity in building an affordable car, despite also the massive risk attached to this dream. Think about it.
- People, in general, weren’t used to maintaining a vehicle run by an engine.
- The supply of fuel wasn’t as widespread as it is today.
- The roads weren’t well developed. So, he needed to build a car that was strong yet affordable.
And yet, he surpassed all these obstacles and more to create the Model T car in 1908 that democratized the automobile, as he liked to say.
FYI, later on in 1913, Model T also became the first car to be mass-produced in an assembly line. This reduced its production time from 12.5 hours to just 93 minutes.
Now, what do you say? Do you think what you want is that much risky? Do have that much at stake?
How to overcome your fear of failure?
1. Realize that not trying is the actual failure
Many people fear failure to the extent that they try to avoid it like death. However, just like death is inevitable, so is failure with that approach. In other words, you get failure as much as you avoid it.
Not proposing that girl you like by thinking she will reject you? You have already failed.
Not starting that business as you think no one will buy your product? You have already failed.
Not writing that book by thinking no one will read what you have to say? Well, you have … you guessed it. (By the way, the last one is inspired by me.)
Trying regardless of your fear means you will learn to overcome it and gain some experience at the very least. And who knows you may even get what you wanted in the first attempt?
Not trying due to fear of failure only leads to reinforcement of that fear, making it so much stronger that it creeps into other areas of life as well.
So, try and try again. You will learn that way, even if you eventually fail.
2. You can almost always undo
Being able to undo your mess is liberating in a way that empowers you to at least attempt what you want to build.
And you know what? Almost everything is undoable.
I am assuming that your goals aren’t to play with death or something that can permanently paralyze you, as is the case mostly.
So why hold yourself back when you can undo and redo the pieces of the puzzle if you put it wrong?
And if you fear that if you fail, you will be back to the starting line, you are wrong. This time you know the territory better than your first attempt which gives you a head start for the next attempt.
Read more: Is Motivation Important To Get Your Tasks Done? Try This Instead
3. Have faith and take on the adventure
Wouldn’t it be seriously boring (and dangerous) if people succeeded at whatever they attempted? It is this adventure of winning, losing, and perseverance that makes our dreams so much worthy of chasing.
If fear of failure keeps you from making a move, realize that it is the possibility of failure is what makes the dream valuable enough.
Think of it this way. If losing was out of the question, then what difference winning would have made?
You wouldn’t feel that sense of achievement when you overcome all the odds. Success would feel like a commodity that anyone can buy at their will.
So, from this perspective, the possibility of failure isn’t a roadblock to keep you from trying, but a reason to celebrate your success when you do actually win.
What if you really fail?
… then at least you won’t regret not trying. I read in the book The One Thing that the number one regret of old people was half-filled dreams and unfulfilled hopes, quoting the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.
It is ok to fail as long as you give your best shot. And if you really want it, you will even go for it again and again, with an even better attempt each time.
No failure is a failure until you call quits. As long as you persevere smartly by learning from your mistakes, you are on the right track.
Conclusion
Go for it, buddy. You will barely lose anything trying. But will lose a lot not trying. You owe it to yourself as you are rushing towards your deathbed.
Do you want to lay there peacefully thanking the courage you muster today or restlessly regretting not giving your dreams a fair chance to flourish?
Read more: Why Do You Procrastinate? Here Are 8 Reasons
