2112 11th Ave South, Suite 340 Birmingham, AL 35205

Are You Holding Yourself Back?

A famous study conducted by Harvard and Princeton University showed that college students admitted that they would purposely choose a performance-inhibiting drug to self-sabotage. While this is confusing, they felt it would help excuse their poor performance in the future.

The truth is, we’re so afraid of failing that we set ourselves up for failure. We feel the need to protect our self-esteem or stay in one place because it’s ‘safe’.

An example would be someone who doesn’t switch jobs because they are afraid of failing at their new job. The fear of failing impacts not only our personal life but our professional one too.

We’re so afraid of taking a step forward that we become immobilized. While our friends and family all set themselves up for challenges, we hold ourselves back.

› Dealing with the Fear of Failure

Some people give up their dreams because they feel they’re inadequate. They feel that no matter what they do, they are bound to fail. They avoid taking risks or challenging themselves because they do not want to take a chance. They fear criticism is waiting around the corner.

If you are one of these people, it’s understandable that the fear of failure can be daunting. However, remember that nothing ventured, nothing gained.

While dealing with fear is itself a daunting experience, taking initiative and dealing with each problem slowly can help you make the change you need in your life.

Here are a few ways to deal with the fear of failure:

› Remind Yourself that Failure is Part of Deal

It’s important to remember that everyone that is successful today has a portfolio full of failures. In fact, our mistakes make us the individuals we are. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

It’s important to challenge yourself but it’s important to remember that we can’t succeed in everything. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to find out your strengths and learn from your weaknesses.

› Choose the Habit You’d Like to Change

If you don’t like something, you should change it. It’s understandable that it’s difficult getting rid of a habit once we become comfortable, but remember that sometimes our habits can lead to our own destruction.

For example, if you have a habit of starting new projects and abandoning them halfway, it’s time to make a change. Make a list of reasons why you started the project. This will help you focus on the why nots and not the ‘why should I?’

You can also ask a close friend to help you with the project. This way, it’ll become fun and engaging. When you’re working with people whose company you enjoy, you’ll want to see the end results. Secondly, they will encourage you to finish the project.

› Seek Professional Help

Sometimes all we need is some outside perspective. Sometimes the only thing that helps is talking to someone. It’s important to seek professional help to help find the motivation and drive you’re looking for.

Anxiety therapist in Alabama can help us figure out what we’re doing wrong, and the real reason behind our fear. A therapist can help you understand and deal with deep-seated emotional issues that are making a negative impact in your life.

I’m David Myers, a Psychotherapists in Birmingham, Alabama. Feel free to visit my website for further details or call (205) 251-8808 for an appointment.