It’s not unusual to encounter men who seem trapped by their fear of failure.

The fear of failure can be truly paralyzing, stopping people from being able to even try to achieve their goals. 

It’s a burden I’ve personally grappled with, and one that many men silently bear. In an attempt to mask their fear, they often adopt certain patterns of behavior that serve as a protective shield.

These behaviors may seem normal on the surface. But under close scrutiny, they betray a deep-seated fear of failure.

Here are eight behaviors commonly displayed by men who are wrestling with this fear.

1) They often procrastinate

Procrastination is related to fear of failure.

It can masquerade as a harmless habit, but it’s often a symptom of a deep-seated fear of failure. When a man is plagued by this fear, he may find himself constantly putting off tasks and responsibilities.

This delay isn’t due to laziness or lack of desire to succeed. Rather, it’s a protective mechanism. By not taking action, he avoids the potential of failure. He might spend more time planning, thinking, or even daydreaming about success instead of pursuing it.

I’ve personally wrestled with this tendency. I would find myself lost in thought, planning every detail meticulously but never moving forward. It was only when I started taking action that I began to learn and grow.

The bottom line?

It’s time to stop hiding behind procrastination. Embrace action over indecision. Start today.

2) They avoid risks

Men struggling with a fear of failure often shy away from risks. They prefer to tread the safe path, even if it means missing out on potential rewards.

I’ve seen this in my own life as well. There was a time when I would choose comfort and certainty over the unknown, fearing that any risk might lead to failure. But I soon realized that without taking any risks, I was closing myself off from opportunities for growth and success.

As the renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson once said, “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

It’s essential to understand that taking calculated risks is a part of life’s journey towards success.

Failure is not a setback, but an opportunity for learning and progress. Embrace the unknown and start taking risks today.

3) They stay in their comfort zone

Fear of failure can keep men tethered to their comfort zones. They often avoid stepping outside their familiar territories due to the fear of falling flat on their faces.

I’ve been in this place too, preferring the safety and predictability of my comfort zone over the uncertainty of new ventures. But I’ve learned that growth and transformation only happen when we dare to step outside our comfort zones.

This is something that Rudá Iandê, a renowned shaman, emphasizes in his “Free Your Mind” masterclass. In this masterclass, which I had the privilege to co-produce, Rudá guides participants through exercises designed to dismantle limiting beliefs and societal conditioning.

One powerful exercise shows how to transcend self-imposed limitations, fostering a shift from a mindset of fear and guilt to one of love and acceptance. It’s an enlightening journey towards authenticity and freedom that I highly recommend.

Dare to step outside your comfort zone. Embrace the unknown and the potential for growth it offers. Join the masterclass today and start your journey towards mental and emotional liberation.

4) They never voice their dreams and aspirations

A common behavior among men who fear failure is keeping their dreams and aspirations to themselves.

They fear that by voicing these out loud, they’ll be held accountable for achieving them, and thus, risk failing publicly.

This behavior goes hand in hand with staying in the comfort zone. By not sharing their dreams, they avoid the discomfort of potential failure.

But this also means they miss out on the support, encouragement, and valuable feedback from others that can help turn their dreams into reality.

Fear of failure shouldn’t stop us from dreaming big and pursuing our passions. But it requires courage to share these dreams with others and open ourselves up to vulnerability.

Are you keeping your dreams a secret because you’re afraid of failing?

If so, isn’t it time to face that fear and let others in on your aspirations?

5) They downplay their own success

Ironically, men who fear failure can often be found downplaying their own success. They might attribute their achievements to luck or outside factors, rather than acknowledging their own hard work and talent.

This is a defense mechanism. By minimizing their success, they protect themselves from the risk of future failures. If they don’t acknowledge their achievements, then they can avoid the pressure of maintaining or exceeding that level of success.

However, this belief system is flawed and self-defeating. Each one of us has inherent worth and dignity, and our achievements are a testament to our capabilities and resilience.

Don’t shy away from your success. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards future victories. You are more capable than you give yourself credit for.

6) They fear others’ opinions

Men who struggle with a fear of failure are often overly concerned about others’ opinions. They fear judgement and criticism, which can further fuel their fear of failing.

Rather than focusing on their own personal growth and happiness, they become preoccupied with how they’re perceived by others. This can lead to a stifling cycle of self-doubt and hesitation, where the fear of negative feedback prevents them from taking action.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it’s your own judgement that matters most when it comes to your life. 

7) They frequently compare themselves to others

Social comparison is normal — to a point.

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s all too easy for men battling a fear of failure to fall into the trap of comparison. They often measure their success against the achievements of others, which can amplify feelings of inadequacy and fear.

I’ve found myself in this trap before, constantly comparing my journey with those around me. But I soon realized that such comparisons were not only unhelpful but also irrelevant. Each one of us has a unique path, with different challenges and triumphs.

It’s time to shift focus from comparison to self-compassion. Celebrate your own progress and achievements without measuring them against others’. Your journey is unique and so are you.

8) They see failure as a reflection of their worth

Perhaps the most damaging behavior is viewing failure as a reflection of one’s self-worth. Men grappling with a fear of failure often view each setback or mistake as a personal flaw, which can lead to decreased self-esteem and increased fear.

Failure, however, is not an indication of your worth. It’s simply feedback, a learning opportunity to improve and grow. Recognize that failure is a common part of life’s journey and does not define who you are or your potential.

You are not your failures. You are a resilient individual capable of growth and success, regardless of the challenges you face.

Failure begets success

It’s true — failure really does beget success.

But fear of failure can silently shape the actions and behaviors of many men, often leading to missed opportunities for growth and success.

Whether it’s procrastinating, staying in a comfort zone, or downplaying their own achievements, these behaviors act as protective shields, but they also hold men back from reaching their true potential.

It’s important to recognize these patterns and understand that failure is not a reflection of one’s worth but an opportunity to learn and grow. As Richard Branson wisely said, “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

For those ready to embark on this transformative journey, I highly recommend Rudá Iandê’s free “Free Your Mind” masterclass. This masterclass, which I had the privilege to co-produce, provides tools to help you unravel limiting beliefs and societal conditioning.

In this masterclass, Rudá guides you through exercises designed to help you overcome self-imposed limitations and embrace your true potential. You’ll gain insights into aligning your actions with personal values, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Embarking on this journey towards authenticity requires courage, but remember that you’re not alone. Take the first step today by joining Rudá Iandê’s masterclass, and start your transformation towards a life driven by courage rather than fear.