Comments on: Breaking through the Fear of Failure

By: Troy Tunstall

Troy Tunstall — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:53:54 +0000

There is no such thing as failure. My Knuckles were just sore. Besides it’s no fun when you just lay there and groan.

By: Do

Do — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:07:39 +0000

Hi,

Bonjour Chris, I’m so happy to find your website few weeks ago, by luck in the new paper (La Presse – Montréal). For me, 2008 was terrible, I was hospitalize during few months. I’m suppose to return at work next week and I don’t want to return there. I decided to give my resignation but I hesited, did I take the good decision because it’s a very well paid job. It’s not easy the quit your comfort zone after 20 years. But after I read your article, it’s clear I will not return. When I was young my dream was to travel around the world, writing and drawing. I will enjoy live during 2 or 3 months in Québec and after I will leave for a long trip. Thank you very much to motivate me.

By: Trackback from Kendo Novice

Trackback from Kendo Novice — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:17:33 +0000

[...] I agree with this post from The Art of Non-Conformity, what really keeps us from chasing big dreams, or even better, big goals, is a sneaky fear of failure. It’s comforting to know that I am not the only one facing such fear, quite the opposite, I am (we are) in a rather good company. [...]

By: jkg

jkg — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:20:45 +0000

Thanks for being my scribe.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:39:15 +0000

Hi Chris:
I thought I’d recommend a book that my wife and I read that was extremely helpful for us in addressing things like the fear of failure: It’s called “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Short, simple and one of those books you find yourself re-reading.

It’s been a real pleasure reading your blog this year, I’m glad I discovered it. Keep doing what you’re doing and sharing it with us.

Dan

By: Ken Gregg

Ken Gregg — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:40:13 +0000

Good post. I really like what you have been writing lately.

I have felt that it was not so much fear of failure but fear of success that has held me back. I think we need to remember that failure to follow through or act on a goal (or to even set the goal) is as much of a failure as not achieving the goal.

By: Trackback from Ray-Anne Carr

Trackback from Ray-Anne Carr — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:20:00 +0000

[...]Over the next few days I am working on the revisions for my second book, then looking hard at the goals and objectives I set myself a few months ago for various parts of my life and writing.

In the interim – here is a link to a very interesting post from ‘The Art of NonConformity’ about how ‘Fear of Failure’ impacts creative people. And I am no exception. [...]

By: Parag Shah

Parag Shah — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:28:23 +0000

Nice article. I agree fear is so debilitating. I have faced my share of fears. Some, I have been able to overcome, and yet some are still with me.

I think this is the second time it has happened, but you just wrote something, about which I had been thinking a couple of hours back

Thanks for the article.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:08:38 +0000

Chris
Fear of failure is very real for so many of us. It’s scary to try new things and oh so much easier to pop on the TV and slide into oblivion rather than risk exposure.

One of the best ways I’ve found to break through that initial fear of failure is to practice beginner’s mind. By taking on a mindset of curiosity and discovery, the fear subsides as I learn and gain confidence.

By: Lee Ann / Living Introverted

Lee Ann / Living Introverted — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:55:05 +0000

You’re spot-on with this post. The key is to look your fear(s) in the eye and say, “Yes, but I’m going to give this my best shot anyway”. And then get on with it.
Time for me to do an annual review!