We have been raised in a society where failure is seen as a disability and a lack of potential and capabilities. Because of this harsh peer and societal influence, we all tend to develop a massive fear of failure. Failure is portrayed as the end of the world to many students. Such an expression is undeniably unhealthy and causes adverse effects on the mental health of a person.
Failure is just a crucial part of life. When a baby attempts to take his steps, he may fall several times before being able to walk. If that first fall would have been categorized as a failure, does that indicate a baby’s inability to walk for a lifetime? No. Similarly, not being able to achieve success in the first try does not prove a person’s incompetence in a particular field. Failure is like small roadblocks or speed bumps on the way towards success.
The wrong interpretation of under performance connected to failure is one of the chief reasons that its fear is prevalent in society. Instead of seeing failure as a disability, if a person takes it as a learning lesson, he can overcome any difficulty in life. Every successful experiment is composed of several failed attempts. Getting something in the first try is very rare and sometimes based on luck. Failure tends to teach us several life lessons like perseverance, courage, consistency, and compassion. A person who emerges out of the failures is usually a very strong-minded and motivated individual.
Overcoming the fear of failure is something that every individual desire to achieve. For students, this trait can help in scoring well and maintaining a good school record. Here a few critical steps that can help you in reducing the anxiety caused due to failures:-
1) NO SHAME POLICY
Do not insult or shame a person if he falls or faces failure. Be a part of a group that does not discourage others or ridicule someone based on their shortcomings or performance. Constant bickering from the family, society, and peers can make a person feel exploited, and they may develop an inferiority complex. No individual deserves to be rebuked based on their capabilities or performances, and constant motivation is needed for everyone to perform well and make a consistent presence in society.
2) ADDRESS THE PROBLEM
Face the criticism. Do hide your concerns and address the problems that you are facing. Take criticism in a positive stride, instead of feeling insulted or offended. Ask for feedback and make the points on the areas where you can improvise yourself.
3) LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
One of the most critical aspects of overcoming the failures is to learn from your mistakes and take them in a positive stride. Real failures are the one who blunders and does not accept and learn from their previous mistakes. Make positive changes, and come up with a better plan to overcome your shortcomings.
4) DON’S BOTTLE IT UP
Containing and hiding your emotions is probably the worst method of punishing yourself. Talk to a family member or a friend and get some advice. Relate your concerns to them. They will support and encourage you, which will make you feel better. Do not bottle up your emotions because the outburst caused due to this can have some severe repercussions in the future.
5) QUESTION YOUR FEARS
Self-introspection is another way of becoming aware of yourself. Take some time off, sit in a quiet room, and think about yourself. Think about the consequences that led to the generation of such fears in your life. Sometimes one realizes that their concerns are completely irrational and most unlikely to come true.
6) FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
Instead of crying over the spilled milk, why concentrate on something that is in your hand. Sometimes people become sad over the things that are entirely out of their control. Take into consideration the things that are in your hand and make plans about improvising them. Repenting over something that is potentially out of your reach is worthless.
7) EMBRACE THE GREY
Success and failure should not be categorized as black or white. Instead, it should be treated as a mixture. Having a different attitude about different situations can make a person feel more anxiety-ridden and stressed. If you face every situation with the same motivation and an open mind, you are less likely to be overcome with the dreadful feeling of doom and failure.
