Fear of failure is something we all experience at some point in our lives. For some, it’s a fleeting concern, but for others, it’s an iron barrier that holds them back from reaching their full potential.

As someone who has suffered a lot from the paralyzing effects of fear of failure, I know how tough it can be to break through the barrier and just try. 

That’s really the worst thing about the fear of failure – it can stop us from trying. And if we don’t try, how can we ever hope to succeed? 

When we encounter people in our lives who are so afraid of failure that they can’t even muster the strength to try, we should try to help them and encourage them in any way we can. 

Of course, we first need to be able to identify when this is what’s going on. Here are some signs to look out for. 

1) They confuse planning with action

One common trait I’ve observed in people who are afraid to try is that they’re often exceptional planners. They create detailed strategies, set goals, and visualize their path to success.

But, there’s a catch—they never actually implement these plans.

While planning is an essential part of achieving your goals, it’s only when you put those plans into motion that you truly begin to grow. It’s in taking action where the learning happens, where mistakes are made, and yes, where failure can occur.

The fear of failure can cause people to use planning as a safety net. It feels like progress without the risk of potential failure. But this is just a facade.

A perfect plan will remain just that—a plan, unless you dare to take the first step and start implementing it. So, don’t just plan your path; walk it.

2) They seek constant approval

I’ve seen how fear of failure can make people overly dependent on the opinions and approval of others. They constantly seek validation for their ideas, waiting for someone else to give them the green light before they act.

This behavior can stem from a fear of making the wrong decision, and consequently, failing. But in truth, this approach only hinders personal growth and creative potential.

Being open to feedback is one thing, but letting others dictate your actions is another. It’s important to trust your instincts and make decisions based on what you believe is right. This is your life; own it.

Don’t let the fear of failure deter you from your path. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

3) They lack self-awareness

Those who are paralyzed by fear of failure often lack self-awareness. They may not even realize the role their limiting beliefs and societal conditioning play in their fear.

This can lead to a life lived on autopilot, with decisions being made based on fear, rather than authenticity and freedom.

A powerful way to break free from this cycle is by developing a deeper understanding of oneself. This is where the “Free Your Mind” masterclass comes into play.

Guided by the shaman Rudá Iandê, this masterclass is a transformative journey designed to help you transcend your limiting beliefs and societal conditioning.

It provides practical steps towards personal growth and teaches you how to align your thoughts and actions with your personal values.

Rudá Iandê also guides participants through exercises that dismantle the most common myths in the spiritual world, promoting a mindset shift from fear and guilt to love and acceptance.

If you’re ready to stop letting fear control your decisions and start embracing your true potential, check out the “Free Your Mind” masterclass today. It’s time to unlock your authentic self.

4) They prefer comfort over growth

It’s human nature to seek comfort.

We naturally avoid situations that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable. However, I’ve noticed that those who fear failure tend to cling to their comfort zones more fiercely, often at the cost of their own growth.

When we stay within the boundaries of what’s familiar, we limit our potential for learning and evolution. We miss out on opportunities to face our fears, challenge ourselves, and acquire new skills and experiences.

Growth often starts at the end of your comfort zone. It’s there where you’ll find the confidence and resilience you need to face failure and learn from it.

Ask yourself this: Are you choosing comfort because it’s easy, or are you ready to embrace discomfort in pursuit of personal growth?

5) They focus on perfection, not progress

Chasing perfection is like a dog chasing its own tail. The idea of catching it is a myth.

That’s right. 

Perfection is a myth.

But it doesn’t stop people from becoming disillusioned by it.

Perfectionism is another trait that’s common among those who fear failure. They set unrealistically high standards for themselves and believe anything less than perfect is a failure.

This mindset can be incredibly debilitating. It discourages risk-taking, stifles creativity, and often leads to procrastination. If something can’t be done perfectly, they’d rather not do it at all.

What’s important to understand is that perfection is an illusion. Progress, on the other hand, is tangible and achievable. It involves taking small, consistent steps towards your goals, learning from your missteps, and celebrating your victories along the way.

6) They fear the judgment of others

Fear of failure can cause performance anxiety – we fear negative judgment.

People who are afraid of failure often worry excessively about what others think of them. They fear that making mistakes or failing will lead to criticism or rejection from those around them.

But here’s the reality—judgment from others is inevitable. You cannot control other people’s opinions or reactions. What you can control, however, is your own response to them.

Instead of letting the fear of judgment limit your potential, use it as a catalyst for growth. Let it drive you to prove your critics wrong and exceed your own expectations.

It’s your life and your journey. Don’t let the fear of other people’s judgment keep you from pursuing your dreams and aspirations. At the end of the day, it’s not about proving them wrong; it’s about proving yourself right.

7) They view failure as a final destination

People who fear failure often view it as an end rather than a beginning. When they encounter setbacks or obstacles, they interpret these as signs that they should give up rather than persist.

But here’s the thing – failure begets success.

Failure is not a final destination, but a stepping stone on the path to success. It offers valuable lessons and insights that can guide you towards your goals.

In every failure lies an opportunity for growth and learning. It’s through our failures that we discover our strengths, learn to overcome challenges, and develop resilience.

Don’t view failure as an end; view it as the start of a new journey—a journey towards growth, learning, and ultimately, success.

Failure as a pathway to success

When we recognize these patterns, we can start to challenge our fears and step outside our comfort zones, embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Understanding that perfection is an illusion, that failure isn’t a final destination, and that the judgment of others is out of our control, can empower us to take action. It’s through this action and the willingness to risk failure that we truly grow and unlock our creative potential.

For those ready to delve deeper into embracing failure and breaking free from societal conditioning, I highly recommend the free “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.

This masterclass, which I had the privilege to co-produce, provides practical exercises to dismantle common spiritual myths and overcome self-imposed limitations.

Rudá Iandê’s teachings foster mental clarity and emotional resilience, aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values. Joining this masterclass will provide you with the tools to create a fulfilling and authentic life.

Take the first step towards embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Check out the “Free Your Mind” masterclass today. It’s time to unlock your true potential.