We all have fears, don’t we?

And one of the most common is the fear of failure. It’s a tricky one.

You try your best and put in all the hard work, but that nagging fear in your mind just doesn’t let you move forward.

It can feel like you’re stuck in a loop, constantly worrying about what might go wrong rather than focusing on what could go right.

Sounds familiar?

Well, you’re not alone.

The good news is that overcoming this fear is possible. And one way to do it is by ditching certain habits that feed into it.

I am here to help you identify seven habits that might hold you back.

Are you ready to say goodbye to them?

Let’s find out.

1) Procrastination

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve fallen into the trap of delaying tasks more times than I can count.

I had to prepare a presentation for a big client meeting this one time. Instead of working on it, I cleaned my desk, reorganized my books, and even watered my plants!

Sounds silly. But it was my fear of messing up the presentation that made me procrastinate.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Procrastination is not your friend. It’s a habit feeding into your fear of failure. Every time you delay a task, you allow your fears to grow. So kick this habit to the curb to overcome your fear of failure.

2) Perfectionism

Don’t get me wrong; aiming for high standards isn’t bad. But there’s a line between striving for excellence and obsessing over every tiny detail.

I remember when I used to spend hours tweaking a simple email till it was ‘perfect.’ But guess what? It wasn’t the pursuit of perfection but the fear of making mistakes driving me.

In retrospect, the email would have been just as effective even without those extra hours spent on it.

The point is that perfectionism can lead to unnecessary stress and fear of failure. So, try to aim for progress, not perfection. It will save you time and help you overcome your fear of failure.

3) Overthinking

Overthinking can be a real trip. You create a whole narrative about how things could go wrong when they rarely ever do in reality.

This “impact bias” makes us believe that failure will be far worse than it is.

If you find yourself overthinking, remind yourself of this: our predictions, especially the negative ones, are often off the mark. Don’t let overthinking feed your fear of failure. Stay grounded in the present and take things one step at a time.

4) Comparing yourself to others

This one hits close to home. We’ve all been there, looking at someone else’s success and wondering why we have yet to achieve the same.

It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially in this age of social media, where people’s highlight reels are always on display. But remember, everyone has their journey.

Your path is unique to you. It’s shaped by your experiences, your strengths, and, yes, your failures, too. Embrace them. They are not signs of weakness but stepping stones to becoming better.

Thus, focus on your journey and your growth because that truly matters in overcoming your fear of failure.

5) Ignoring your accomplishments

Here’s a habit I’ve been guilty of brushing off my accomplishments. I used to finish a project or reach a goal, and instead of taking a moment to celebrate, I would immediately move on to the next thing.

Looking back, I realize I was so focused on what I hadn’t achieved. It was like I was constantly underestimating myself, which only fueled my fear of failure.

Recognizing your achievements, big or small, is crucial.

It reminds you of your capabilities and boosts your confidence. And with increased confidence comes decreased fear of failure.

So don’t shy away from celebrating your wins. They are proof of your hard work and resilience.

6) Ignoring self-care

Have you ever noticed how fear creeps in when you feel low or exhausted? I have. My fear of failure tends to skyrocket when I’m not caring for myself.

Think about it. Even the most minor tasks can seem insurmountable challenges when overworked and under-rested. Your performance dips, and with it, your confidence.

So take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and take breaks when needed. A healthy body and mind are your best allies against fear.

7) Focusing solely on the result

I used to be like this, too. I would set a goal and then obsess over the outcome, completely ignoring the journey to get there. This amplified my fear of failure because my entire self-worth was tied to that outcome.

The journey is as important as the destination. It’s where you learn, grow, and build resilience.

So, instead of focusing on the result, pay attention to the process. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your progress along the way.

Letting go of these habits may not be easy. But once you do, you’ll realize that failure isn’t as scary as it seems. So, face your fears head-on and turn them into stepping stones towards success.