Face Your Fears and Failures

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” —Helen Keller

“Failure is so important. We speak about success all the time. It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success. I’ve met people who don’t want to try for fear of failing. “ – J.K. Rowling

FAILURE: The one word no one wants to experience. Life has conditioned us not to make mistakes. Mistakes are dirty and callous. We were taught at a young age that making mistakes was to be avoided at all costs. As children, many of us get scolded or in trouble for “failing”. These “failures” can included failing a test, losing a game, or disrupting class. We get punished and made to feel bad about their behavior.

Unfortunately, this strategy does not prepare us for adulthood. We get conditioned to fear failure. We do not want to step out of line or make mistakes. We are afraid of trying something new or speaking up in a meeting.  We do not want to make a fuss or be troublesome.  We want to fit in! Sometimes, this is a smart strategy. Sometimes not. Tom Boddet once said “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

When it comes to making changes in your life, mistakes are OK! They are even encouraged. It means you are trying. You are moving outside of your comfort zone. You are looking to create new habits and results for your well being.  You are being tested to move past your limits. Everyone makes mistakes when trying something new. I can’t count how many times I have failed. I have failed with meeting new people, getting the girl, or getting the job. But, I an still here! There is learning curve. There is a period of trial and error. There are lessons to be learned through failure. Maybe you need to change an approach or make small tweaks. But, consistency and persistancy are key here. Continue to try and learn from your failures. The more you learn, the less you will fail! As Always, Eat, Move, and Improve!