It seems ironic that people would be fearful of succeeding in business. After all, aren't we all in business to succeed? I don't think too many people want to invest time and money into a business that is doomed to fail.
Yet many of us ARE fearful of success, and there are many reasons:
- the responsibility that goes with success
- lack of self esteem (I don't deserve to have success in my life so I'll settle for less)
- fear of making a fool of myself
- if I make a mistake my business will fail so it's easier to stay on the safe path
Most people consider Michael Jordan the most successful basketball player in history. Yet he's missed more than 9,000 shots in his career, lost almost 300 games, and 26 times he attempted the winning shot and missed. He once said, "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."
Keep in mind, failing does not mean you're a failure -- unless you fail to learn from your mistakes. It's better to be willing to try new things, even if it feels out of your comfort zone. If you're going to fail, it's better to fail quickly. And if you DO fail, figure out the lesson, learn from it and either don't do it again or figure out how to do it differently so it works.
So what is holding you back? If it's fear, get over it. You never know what success could come from your next failed attempt. Think about what you could do today that you have been putting off out of fear. Then go ahead and give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose!
Share your thoughts, fears and successes by clicking on the Comments link below.
I needed to read this article today. Thanks!
Posted by: Ms. Tee | July 13, 2010 at 06:46 PM
F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appearing Real.
Posted by: ellen cuneo | July 27, 2010 at 08:55 AM