Secretly Afraid to Fail in Business?
The fear of failure 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 a new client, a questions I often ask them is “Are you secretly afraid to fail in business?” The immediate answer is usually no, but after diving into the areas they are struggling within their business, they start to see where they are holding themselves back.
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.
Uncovering specifically what you are scared of is key in moving forward. I work on this weekly with my clients and love when we can dig down, find what the true fear is and get them past it. That moment is often met with tears of joy, relief and it’s a powerful moment that I am honored to be a part of in their lives.
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, I highly recommend you meet with a business coach. They can help you get past your fears and moving toward you goals. Having a mentor or coach to help keep you focused, motivated and hold you accountable can be invaluable to your business.
You don’t have to do it alone! If you are ready to fully commit to growing your business, click HERE to schedule a call with me so we can discuss where your challenges are and how I can help you reach your goals. It’s time to stop waiting. Together, we can make 2025 your best year yet!
