For a long time, I let the fear of failure hold me back. Maybe you know the feeling—that nagging voice in your head that says, “What if this is a complete waste of time? What if I fail and look foolish?”
We have this strange tendency to assume that the things we’re about to try will result in a 100% failure. Before we’ve even taken a single step, we’re convinced it’s doomed. But here’s the thing I’ve learned: we don’t have the answer to that question until we take action.
Failure isn’t guaranteed. Success isn’t guaranteed. It could go either way, and the only way to find out is by stepping outside our comfort zone and trying.
Failure Isn’t Final
When I used to fail at something, I’d take it personally. I’d think, “I’m stupid. I’m untalented. I’ll never make this work.” I convinced myself that the failure wasn’t just about what I did—it was about who I was.
But over time, I discovered a different perspective: failure isn’t us. It’s not a reflection of who we are. Failure is simply the result of a test we tried out.
Think about it like a lab technician running an experiment. If the experiment doesn’t work, the technician doesn’t label themselves a failure—they look at the results, figure out what went wrong, and set up the next test. The experiment failed, not the person who ran it.
The same is true for us. Every time we fail, we’re running an experiment. It’s not about who we are—it’s about what we tried.
The Silver Lining of Failure
Here’s something else I’ve learned: failure always comes with a lesson, even if it stings in the moment.
- Sometimes, failure shows us exactly where we went wrong, giving us clarity we didn’t have before.
- Sometimes, it leads to better ideas—ideas we wouldn’t have discovered if we hadn’t hit a wall first.
- And sometimes, failure simply helps us cross one path off the list so we can focus on the next option.
Failure isn’t the end. It’s a stepping stone, guiding us toward something better.
The Truth About Action
The fear of failure thrives on inaction. As long as we stay in our comfort zone, we can imagine all the ways things might go wrong, but we’ll never actually know. Taking action—even when it’s scary—is the only way to find out what’s on the other side of that fear.
Will it work out? Maybe. Maybe not. But you’ll never have the answer until you try. And even if it doesn’t work, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of what does.
Embrace the Experiment
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: failure isn’t the end, and it’s definitely not who you are. It’s just a result—one experiment in a lifetime of experiments.
The next time you’re staring down a fear of failure, remind yourself that every step you take brings you closer to clarity, growth, and success. The experiment might fail, but you won’t.
And who knows? That next experiment could be the one that changes everything.
