Mike Sancho and Kirk Cooper list 3 effective ways to overcome the fear of failure

Failure. It is the monster we can’t run from but are often too afraid to face, so we cower away and wither in our comfort zones. Most people pound on their chests when they fail at something, and others are too afraid of failing that they never even start.

Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper explain that the fear of failure is the greatest enemy of your progress. To move forward, you need to overcome this fear.

According to Mike Sancho, failure itself is not threatening to most people; it is the consequences that hold people hostage. The most prevalent is the fear of shame and embarrassment.

Kirk Cooper echoes that most people tend to hide their failures and only highlight their success. However, this stumps your growth because you don’t get to learn valuable lessons from your setbacks.

It is, however, possible to overcome the fear of failure as demonstrated by Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper through the following techniques and strategies:

●Redefine failure

To do this, you first need to pinpoint precisely what you are afraid of, says Mike Sancho. Is it that people will talk about you? Do you want to avoid shame or something terrible that might happen? Kirk Cooper says that for most people, their fears of failure are very vague.

But through questioning these fears, you will find that you can overcome them. Mike Sancho also recommends that you rephrase situations differently before you attempt them to reduce your fear of failing.

Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper also explain that redefining failure means removing the negative attachments associated with it. Failing should not be followed by shame and ridicule; it should be an opportunity to learn, grow, and do better.

●Focus on what you can control

Fear of failure amplifies worst-case scenarios, which is why people often prefer not to try at all. Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper say that when you focus on what you have no control over, it amplifies your stress and anxiety.

To avoid this, focus on what is within your power to give you confidence and a sense of certainty. In this case, Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper explain that you should focus on the process rather than the outcome.

●Set goals

Kirk Cooper strongly notes that you should set approach goals. Some people set avoidance goals aimed at avoiding an adverse outcome. However, it is much better to set goals that motivate you to work towards a positive outcome.

However, Mike Sancho notes that you can positively reframe avoidance goals to help you move forward. For instance, when faced with a challenging situation, instead of setting goals around what you don’t want to happen, focus on what you do want to happen.

Mike Sancho & Kirk Cooper explain that failure is not fatal. Therefore, you should focus on learning and treat yourself kindly when you fail at something. It is also essential that you patiently work towards overcoming your fear of failure.