Failure and regret, part II.

If you are afraid of failure, I have been where you are. If you are afraid of regret, I am with you. I got over my fear of failure when I realized I am more afraid of getting to my later years and wondering “what if”. What if I had really given it everything I’ve got to become a best-selling author and coach who helps millions of people? What if I had not been afraid of criticism and rejection? What if I just did what I knew I was meant to do? What if I had invested in myself and my happiness every day? The visual of those regrets drove me abandon my fear of failure. I simply can’t get to the end of my life with anything less than knowing I lived a life I ridiculously loved, having played often, created memories, and contributed to the world in ways much bigger than myself.
If you are afraid of failure, ask yourself these questions:

1. Who is going to abandon you if you fail? Who will no longer love you?
2. What awfulness will you have to face if you fail? Public mockery? Walk naked in the town square? Nails in your hands?
3. Who will decide and label you and your actions a failure?

Failure is a label rarely given to us by others and one we generously give ourselves. Even if someone else calls you a failure, it doesn’t make it true.
Fear of failure will slowly choke the life out of you and is a certain path to regret of a life not fully lived, adventures not taken, opportunities not seized, and every day joy not found.
Those around you will follow your lead. If you say you are a success, they will believe you are. If you say you are a failure, they will believe you are.
Failure is a myth. Regret is real. Every day happiness is the preventive measure.
Create a life you ridiculously love.

Hugs,

Lisa Z.