Fear of Failure

(Engr.M Ali Nadir, Karachi)

FEAR OF FAILURE: THE BIGGEST HURDLE

There are, no doubt, various causes of inaction and lethargy but fear of failure is, perhaps, the biggest cause of lazy tendencies of human nature. When fear of failure overpowers our thoughts, all possibilities of success wither away long before the actual failure. No matter how much strong we might be, we accept perceptional failure in the very beginning of journey. Therefore, we behave hesitantly for advancing in our mission. Resultantly, all material resources prove futile and failure becomes a reality. Although visible causes of failure can’t be underestimated yet the fear of failure is the biggest hurdle on the way.

In fact, fear of failure makes us feel weak and incompetent to achieve our set goals. It makes us observe our weaknesses and ignore our potential. We remain cold and self-opposing. That is why, our actions turn into deep fears and a materially small task seems us unachievable. Consequently, we exhibit inaction and dormant attitude. Sense of failure is more perceptional and less factual; more amorphous and less tangible. We actually fail when we accept failure. Similarly, success is a mindset; a sense of achievement. It is, therefore, pertinent to say that fear of failure is an attacking agent for our gifted abilities. It locks up our potentials into dark cells and affects determination negatively.

Attitudes play their role in defining one’s destiny. A negative attitude breeds several fears including fear of failure. A personality encircled by self-imposed fears remains shattered and reluctant in practical life. It is afraid of unseen challenges which knock at both body and mind during real life. Therefore, it prefers pre-set rules to creativity and leader-like role. On the other hand, a positive attitude not only pins down all fears but also accepts challenges and converts them into opportunities. Such an attitude makes leaders out of ordinary people. They are not ready to accept failure at any stage of their course. They are energetic and determined. They are more leading and less following. They are discoverer, inventor and active participant in society. For example; Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before inventing bulb. Failures could not make him tired or afraid. Instead, repetitive attempts made him more focused and curious.
 
Interestingly, fear of failure is not impregnable. It can be overcome easily. There are a number of techniques to stamp down it. However, all techniques call for self-revision and a change within. First of all we should believe that failures are a part of life. They are as inevitable as are achievements. It is not meant to accept the failure as an excuse for inaction in the very beginning and give up. Rather, it calls for accommodating the failure as a booster in lifecycle of our missions. Putting it simple, it is emphasized to accept the existence of failure and reject the thought of failure. Mind should be trained to assume success. It should not be fearful of undesired consequences. Instead, it should be ready to face the real time situations and figuring out solutions. This pattern of thinking is conducive to both invisible human psyche and observable behaviours. Moreover, the company of positive people is also crucial to modify thinking tendencies and sharpen desired attitude. It is more than necessary to accompany with positive people in order to highlight one’s hidden capabilities. It is, however, requires rigorous self- training and a paradigm shift in thinking habits. Only then, men of extraordinary abilities can be produced out of ostensible down-trodden society.

Engr.M Ali Nadir
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