Happily, just as it is possible to program the mind with a negative mentality, so it is possible to reprogram the mind with a positive mindset. In fact, a large number of the leading success mentoring experts you hear about today are people who have come through much tribulation of mind and suffered from just such a fear of failure as besets many people today. They discovered that the mind can be reprogrammed, and they took their discovery to heart and reprogrammed their minds, and consequently, their lives, for success.
You too can reprogramme your "mental default setting" and switch it from "negative" to "positive", from fear and self-doubt to courage, confidence and self-affirmation.
Here are six pointers to help you overcome your fear of success and get your mind to shift from negative thinking to positive thinking!
1. Understand how fear works to thwart your plans
Success does not come without setbacks or obstacles but in spite of them. When your fear of failure is too large, obstacles will occur as reasons not to continue. It is not actually the obstacles that stop you, but your lack of confidence, which causes you, like Pliable in Pilgrim's Progress, to turn back at the first obstacle.
2. Cut yourself some slack
Don't stress yourself out on a new project. Instead, cut yourself some slack and give yourself some time out. Leisure activities and relaxation will refresh you, put you in a positive frame of mind, and give you the space in which to find renewed inspiration.
3. One small step at a time...
Instead of trying to tackle an ambitious project head on, break it down into small, easily achievable steps. Write each step down as milestones on the path to the overall goal. As you complete each small step, you will grow in confidence and feel motivated to move on to the next task.
4. Start by doing something you are good at
Work on something you enjoy and are good at in order to build up your sense of self-esteem. By gradually increasing your confidence like this it will become easier for you to take on those projects that hitherto have triggered your habitual fear of failure.
5. Talk to yourself and boost your self-esteem
The root cause of fear of failure is usually low self esteem. Improve your self esteem by talking positively to yourself and by learning to recognise your abilities. Learn to trust what you say to yourself about yourself more than the opinions of others.
6. Surround yourself with positive people
If those who are close to you tend to put you down, your low self esteem and fear of failure will be constantly reinforced by spending too much time in their company. Rather than spending too much time in a negative environment, seek out new companions who will offer you positive support and feedback, people who share common goals - even if you have to turn to the Internet to find them.
If you follow these six steps you will make positive progress towards overcoming your fear of failure and you will be well on the way to enjoying a life of success and positive results.
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David Hurley works in Japan as an English language professional and success mentoring consultant to various Japanese businesses, institutions and charities.
