Conquering the fear of failure

"Don't let fear guide you." ~Anthony Johnson

Fear:  a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined (Link to Definition)

There are a lot of things to be fearful about today.  The stock market is at its lowest levels since 1997.  The economy is in the toilet due to Americans cutting back.  The unemployment rate is the highest it has been in years and if you are fortunate to keep your job, there's a high chance that you have received a pay cut.  The list goes on...

During President Obama's inaugural address, he explained that these are hard times:

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

Overall, there is a lot of pressure placed on people to try to succeed in these trying times.  You have two ways to handle the pressure...it can either cause you to burst or it can bring out the best of you and make you into a diamond.  When faced with the possibility of failure, how do you react?  Now is the time to collect yourself and focus on creating a better YOU.

For those who have lost your job, now is the time to re-evaluate your financial situation.  Know that being "in between jobs" is not failure and although it is not the most pleasant of situations to be in, it's doable.  More than ever, a budget is needed to ensure better tracking of your money to make sure it is going to where it needs to be.  Maybe it is time to start looking at your current career and think about getting a new direction by training for a new career.  You can even leverage your current skill set to make income for yourself.

It has never been a better time to take a chance on yourself.  Whether it be putting off pursuing your dreams to maintain your comfortable lifestyle or being hesitant to make an investment for your future in a home, not exposing yourself to risk will greatly reduce the reward you can receive in the long run.  Do not let the fear of failure prevent you from accomplishing great things.  

Being scared to fail is a completely natural response, however, it can be a hindrance from reaching your greatest potential.  Below is a great quote from Michael Jordan about failure:

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career, I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over in my life. And that's why I succeed!" - Michael Jordan

I have learned in my experience that sometimes you have to create a plan and then jump right into it not knowing whether you are going to succeed or not.  If you find that things do not go according to plan, make the necessary adjustments and then try again.  The key is never to give up or accept failure.  It is even better to remove that word from your vocabulary and know that whatever you put your mind to, you will accomplish.

With the current outlook looking grim, there is a lot of fear and anxiety about the future of this country.  It seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and there is nothing that can be done to change this situation.  However, I am confident that things will turn around as long as focus is maintained.  If you are at a point where it seems like you cannot make a shot, keep shooting, you're bound to make a basket eventually.  Stay Disciplined!