Students’ Speak: How students can overcome their fear of failure

By: Swapnaneel Bhuiya

To find out the reasons for fear of failure, we first need to understand what "failure" really is.

We all have different definitions of failure, simply because we all have different benchmarks, values, and belief systems. Failure for one person can be simply a great learning experience for someone else. Many of us are afraid of failing, at least for some time. But the fear of failure is when we stop that fear from doing things that can push us forward to achieve our goals.

The fear of failure can be linked to many reasons. For example, some people have parents who have not been supportive enough, this is one reason for them. Because they were regularly humiliated in childhood, they carry those negative feelings into adulthood. Experiencing a traumatic event at some point in your life can also be a reason. For example, many years ago, you made an important presentation in front of a large group, and you performed very poorly. The experience must have been so terrible that you were afraid of failing other things. And you still carry that fear after years.

Fear of failure can cause you to experience some or all of these symptoms:

• Unwillingness to try new things or engage in challenging projects
• Self-sabotage - For example, procrastination, excessive anxiety, or failure to follow through with goals
• Low self-esteem or self-confidence - Usually using negative statements such as "I will never be good enough to get that promotion" or "I am not smart enough to get on that team"
• Perfectionism - The desire to try only those things that you know you will finish completely and successfully

Failures teach and help us grow

We can see failure as the end of the world, or as evidence of how inadequate we are. On the other hand, we can see failure as an incredible learning experience. Every time we fail at something, we can choose to look for the lesson we are meant to learn. These lessons are very important. They help us grow and avoid making the same mistake again. Failures stop us only when we allow them to happen.

Most of us will stumble and fall in life. Doors will be slammed on our faces, and we can make some bad decisions. But imagine Michael Jordan who never gave up on his dream of playing basketball when he was axed from that team. Imagine if Richard Branson would have listened to those who told him that he would never do anything meaningful without a high-school diploma.

Failure can also teach us things about ourselves that we would never have learned. For example, failure can help you find out how strong a person you are. Failing at something can help you discover your best friends, or find the unexpected motivation to succeed. It is important to realise that in everything we do, there is always a chance that we will fail. Facing the opportunity and embracing it is not only courageous, but it also gives us a fuller, more rewarding life.

Ways to reduce the fear of failure

• Analyse all possible outcomes - Many people experience fear of failure because they fear the unknown. Take away that fear by considering the possible consequences of your decision.
• Learn to think more positively - Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful way to build confidence and neutralize self-break.
• Look at the worst-case scenario - In some cases, the worst-case scenario can be truly catastrophic, and it can be perfectly rational for the possibility of failure.
• Have a Contingency Plan - If you are afraid of failing at something, having a "Plan B" in place can help you feel more confident about moving forward.

Try to make your goals small steps on the path to very big goals. Don't focus on the final picture; getting a promotion, or graduating with an MBA. Just focus on the next step; introducing yourself to the department head, and talking to an admissions officer. Just taking one small step at a time will help build your confidence and push you forward.

About the Author:

Swapnaneel Bhuiya is a fourth-year mining engineering student at IIEST Shibpur. He appeared for JEE exam in 2016 and scored 140 marks in the first attempt.