Deconstruct the Fear of Failure & Rejection

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Dealing With Fear of Failure and Embracing Success

Hello everyone! Today, I am thrilled to share my personal reflections and strategies on overcoming the fear of failure and rejection. It is a topic that resonates with me personally, which makes me even more eager to help others navigate their way through these challenges.

A Childhood Steeped in Fear

The earliest days of my life were marked by fear. Growing up as a shy girl, I was extremely apprehensive, even in moments where I knew the answers but didn't have the courage to voice them - fear held me back.

But the reality is, everyone deals with fear. The fear of rejection or failure exists in each one of us. The fact that I am presenting to you today, however, doesn't indicate that I am fear-free. Rather, it reflects my use of strategies to confront and overcome these fears, enabling me to become more resilient.

The Devastating Impact of Fear

Unaddressed fear can silently sabotage your relationships, your happiness, and even your career progression. Yet, it needs to be understood that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of fear.

My name is Mimi Nele, a passionate IT product owner with more than 11 years of experience in the software industry. When off-duty, I enjoy baking, cycling, networking, and traveling. But today, I want to share with you some tools and techniques you can use to overcome your struggles with fear of failure and rejection.

Understanding the Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is one of humanity's most prevalent fears. Regardless of who you are, or where you're from, at one point or another, you'll experience fear. This fear is closely tied to fear of rejection and of criticism. Looking back, I've missed countless opportunities because I was too afraid of the uncertainty that followed. But it's not just me; perhaps you've also experienced this fear.

This fear often stems from the norm of brain function we’ve inherited from our ancestors; the instinctive reaction to uncertain situations. People generally hold themselves back because they're uncertain about the result - will they succeed or fail? Our brain is wired to react with fear when confronted by uncertainty or unknown situations.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Dealing with fear isn't easy, but here are some strategies and tips that can help you manage it better:

  1. Face your fear and reframe rejection: Confront the fear head-on. If you continually do what you're afraid of, you'll slowly but surely get rid of the fear. Remember, failure isn't always negative; in fact, it often brings you one step closer to your success. When fear strikes again, write down your thoughts and ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen?". Then, visualize those possibilities and resolve to accept the worst outcome. You might find that this simple exercise decreases your worry and makes you more courageous.
  2. Don't take it personally: Not being liked by everyone in this world is normal. Train your brain not to take rejections personally. Instead, consider them as opportunities for improvement and keep trying. Recognize that rejections reflect your actions, not you as a person.
  3. Persistence is key: Don't stop trying until you're proud of yourself. Success comes after numerous failures. For example, the recipe for the globally loved KFC chicken was rejected 1,009 times before success was finally achieved!
  4. Keep your eyes on the goal: Having a clear goal in mind gives you direction. Start with small, attainable goals and celebrate each step you achieve. Don't forget to keep your ultimate world entertaining the enjoyment of the small wins.
  5. Don't be too hard on yourself: Find emotional support from loved ones. Sharing your fears and failures with trustworthy individuals can provide the emotional recharge you need and aid your journey towards success.

In conclusion, understand that there's no magical solution to overcome fear. Combating fear demands self-esteem, consistency, willpower, and persistence. But with these tools and tips, hopefully, you'll feel more prepared the next time fear creeps in.

Remember, "feel your way to success".


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