Are you Secretly Afraid to Fail in Business?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
The fear of failure is a common fear that can hold people back from pursuing their goals and dreams. It can manifest as a fear of taking risks, making mistakes, or not meeting one’s own or others’ expectations. In fact, public humiliation has been at the top of the list for years. When I coach new clients, a questions I often ask them is “Are you secretly afraid to fail in business?” Often, the immediate answer is no, but after diving into the areas they are struggling with in their business, they start to see where they are holding themselves back. It is where they have self doubt and fear.
The fear of failure can also impact individuals in the workplace. According to a study by Accenture, fear of failure was cited as the primary reason why 46% of female executives did not pursue executive-level positions. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that fear of failure was one of the primary factors that led to workplace stress.
Furthermore, the fear of failure can also impact entrepreneurial activity. Research has shown that fear of failure is a key barrier to entrepreneurship, as it can prevent individuals from taking the risks necessary to start and grow a business. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, fear of failure was cited as the primary barrier to entrepreneurship by 31.5% of respondents in the United States.
It is important to recognize that the fear of failure is a normal human emotion and can be managed through various strategies, such as reframing failure as a learning opportunity, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from others. By addressing and managing the fear of failure, individuals can overcome barriers to success and achieve their goals.
You are not alone in your fears. According to a survey by Chapman University, the top fear among Americans is public speaking, followed by heights and bugs. In addition, excessive fear and anxiety can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. This is a hallmark symptom of anxiety disorders, which affect an estimated 40 million adults in the United States.
Understanding the root cause of your fears can help you start to address them. When coaching clients, we use a method of writing down each fear, no matter how big or small, and diving into the facts behind that fear. When you break apart a fear, it takes away it’s power over you. You give yourself the freedom to push past that fear and toward the success you want.
After reading this, are you secretly afraid to fail in Business? If so, a business coach can help you get past your fears in business by empowering you with knowledge, tools and accountability. Entrepreneurship can often be lonely since you are the one at the top. Having a mentor or coach to help keep you focused, motivated and hold you accountable can be invaluable to your business.
If you are ready to kick your fears to the curb, click HERE to connect. I would love to meet to see how I can help you grow your business.
