i am afraid of failure essay

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Personal Narrative: My Fear of Failure

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Origins of my fear of failure, the impact of my fear of failure, overcoming my fear of failure.

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How to Deal With the Fear of Failure

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou

Characteristics of the Fear of Failure

• Identifying

Causes of the Fear of Failure

Treatment for fear of failure, coping with fear of failure.

The fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia , is an irrational and persistent fear of failing. This fear can stem from a number of sources. Sometimes it might emerge in response to a specific situation. In other cases, it might be related to another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression .

The fear of failure may also be related to being a perfectionist . Because perfectionists have such high expectations for how they expect things to turn out, they may experience a nagging fear that they won't live up to those often unrealistically high standards.

This article discusses the signs of a fear of failure and what causes this fear. It also explores treatments that can help and how to prevent this fear from holding you back.

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We've tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

A fear of failure can produce emotional and behavioral symptoms. Some of the common signs of this fear include:

• Feeling a loss of control
• Helplessness
• Powerlessness

In addition to emotional and behavioral symptoms, people with a fear of failure may also experience physical symptoms including rapid heart rate, chest tightness, trembling, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and digestive problems.

Identifying the Fear of Failure

The fear of failure may affect people in a variety of ways, which means that it's not always easy to identify. Some of the ways that people may experience the fear of failure include:

• Believing that you don't have the skills or knowledge to achieve something
• Feeling like you won't be able to achieve your goals
• Procrastinating to the point that it affects your performance or ability to finish on time
• Telling people that you will probably fail so that expectations remain low
• Underestimating your own abilities to avoid feeling let down
• Worrying that imperfections or shortcomings will make other people think less of you
• Worrying that you will disappoint others if you fail

In some cases, the fear of failure may cause people to avoid trying altogether. Because they are so afraid that they will try and not succeed, they simply decide not to try at all in order to prevent potential pain, embarrassment, or disappointment.

Atychiphobia

While fear of failure is not listed as a distinct condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) , it is possible that you might be diagnosed with a specific phobia if your symptoms meet certain diagnostic criteria. In order to be diagnosed with a specific phobia, your symptoms must:

• Involve excessive and unreasonable fear
• Involve an immediate anxiety response
• Be marked by avoidance or extreme distress 
• Limit your ability to function normally
• Last as least six months and not be due to another condition

A fear of failure can have a wide variety of causes. Some potential causes include:

Critical Upbringing

People who grow up in households that are highly critical or unsupportive may be more likely to experience a fear of failure. Because they felt that they could never live up to their family's expectations during childhood, they may continue to fear making mistakes as adults. 

Definitions of Failure

People often have different definitions of what failure means. For some people, it means not achieving something exactly as they planned. This can create a set of expectations that is very difficult to live up to.

Anxiety is also influenced by genetic factors. If members of your family also have anxiety conditions, you might be more likely to develop fears and anxieties yourself.

Perfectionism

Fear of failure sometimes stems from perfectionism. When people have extremely high standards, it often seems like nothing lives up to their expectations. This includes their own performance and achievements. Because they fear not reaching the high standards they've set, they may experience an intense fear of failing.

People who experienced a difficult or even traumatic failure may also be very afraid of repeating that experience in the future.

Having a panic attack during a presentation or being ridiculed for your performance, for example, could contribute to feelings of fear. Negative consequences resulting from failure, such as losing a job or not getting into a college, can also be risk factors that contribute to the fear of failure.

While everyone may be afraid of failing from time to time, it becomes more serious when it inhibits your ability to pursue your goals and achieve the things you want to accomplish in life.

Impact of the Fear of Failure

A fear of failure can take a toll on a person’s belief in their abilities and their motivation to pursue their goals. 

• Low self-esteem : People who fear failure may also engage in negative self-talk or have low self-confidence that makes it difficult to pursue goals. 
• Poor motivation : When people fear failure, they may also experience a lack of motivation that makes it difficult to get started on projects and work toward goals. When something seems too challenging or involves learning new skills, people may simply give up or refuse to get involved.
• Self-sabotage : It isn't uncommon for people who fear failure to engage in acts of self-handicapping that undermine their own chances of success. Research has found, for example, that students who fear failing often engage in self-handicapping behaviors that actually limit academic success and perpetuate failure.   
• Shame : The fear of failure often stems from a fear of experiencing shame or embarrassment. Failing can trigger feelings worthlessness , so avoiding trying in the first place can sometimes serve as a way to protect the self from disappointment, regret, and sadness.

Treatment for the fear of failure depends on a variety of factors including how you experience this fear and the impact that it has on your life. In many cases, people can use self-help strategies to cope with these feelings. 

If your fear of failure is impeding your ability to function normally, it is important to talk to a professional. Treatment options for a fear of failure might include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help you address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to a fear of failure. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of fear. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may also be helpful.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to help you manage feelings of anxiety or depression that might be linked to your fear. Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that are commonly prescribed to treat mood conditions and anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam), may also be prescribed.

In many cases, a combination of these two treatment options with lifestyle changes may be the most effective

There are also a number of strategies that you can use to help reduce feelings of fear about failure. Some of these include:

Consider the Outcomes

Sometimes thinking about the worst possible outcome—and then coming up with a plan for how you’ll deal with it—can help reduce anxiety when you are pursuing your goals. 

Focus on the Things You Can Control

Instead of worrying about aspects of the situation that you have no power over, focus your energy on things that you can control. 

When you are facing a challenge that might trigger your fear of failing, work on developing alternative plans just in case your initial efforts don’t go as planned. Having a plan B (or plan C) can help you feel less anxious and more secure.

Redefine Failure

Changing how you think about failure may also help reduce your feelings of fear. Failure is part of life and can be an important opportunity to learn and acquire new skills.

It can certainly be disappointing, but it is important to maintain a healthy perspective toward the potential benefits of failing from time to time. Remember that success is often reached through a series of progressive failures that lead to new information, skills, and strategies.

Use Positive Thinking

Avoid negative self-talk that can undermine your confidence and create feelings of anxiety. Instead, work on thinking more like an optimist to keep your motivation high.

Visualization May Backfire

While visualization is often touted as a tool for success, research actually shows that this motivational strategy can backfire with people who have a high fear of failure. One study found that people with a strong fear of failing experienced strong negative moods after they engaged in an activity that involved visualizing success.

A Word From Verywell

The fear of failure is something that everyone experiences from time to time, but this can become much more problematic when such feelings become persistent. Practice self-compassion and work on taking small steps toward building your confidence and managing your fears.

American Psychiatric Association.  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th ed . Washington, DC; 2013.

Meier SM, Deckert J. Genetics of anxiety disorders . Curr Psychiatry Rep . 2019;21(3):16. doi:10.1007/s11920-019-1002-7

Kelly JD 4th. Your best life: Perfectionism--the bane of happiness . Clin Orthop Relat Res . 2015;473(10):3108-11. doi:10.1007/s11999-015-4279-9

Bartels JM, Herman WE.  Fear of failure, self-handicapping, and negative emotions in response to failure ; 2011.

Hjeltnes A, Binder PE, Moltu C, Dundas I. Facing the fear of failure: An explorative qualitative study of client experiences in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for university students with academic evaluation anxiety . Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being . 2015;10:27990. doi:10.3402/qhw.v10.27990

Langens TA. Tantalizing fantasies: positive imagery induces negative mood in individuals high in fear of failure . Imagination, Cognition and Personality . 2002;21(4):281-292. doi:10.2190/HGH6-3RM6-2VCG-YCQH

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Student Essays

Essay on Failure in Life | Failures as Stepping Stones towards Success

Failure is nothing but an effort went missed to hit the target to bring success. Failure is somehow the process the tests the mettle and strength of every struggler in way of achieving something in life. The success is always preceded by multiple failures. There has never been a great success without lots of failures in the way. The following Essay on Failure talks about the Meaning, Importance of Failure & Why Failure is the Stepping Stones towards Success.

Essay on Failures in Life | Failures & its Lessons For Students

Failure can be defined as not achieving something that was set out to be achieved. It is the lack of success, which could be in academics, personal life or professional life. There are many factors that contribute to failure such as not having a clear goal, not being motivated enough, not taking action, inadequate preparation etc.

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One of the most important lessons of failure is that it can happen to anyone. There is no one who is immune to it and this is a hard truth to accept. However, it is also a very important lesson because it teaches us not to take things for granted and to always work hard. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. However, what separates the successful from the unsuccessful is the ability to learn from these mistakes and to use them as a stepping stone to success.

Another important lesson of failure is that it teaches us persistence. Life is full of hardships and setbacks but the key is to never give up. We must always pick ourselves up and continue moving forward. Failure is a part of life and it is what makes us stronger. If we give up every time we face difficulties, we will never achieve our goals.

Lastly, failure teaches us to be humble. No one likes to fail but it is important to remember that we are not perfect and that we all make mistakes. We must learn to accept our failures and to learn from them. By being humble, we can open ourselves up to new opportunities and learnings that we would not have otherwise.

Overcoming Failure:

There are many ways in which students can overcome failure. Firstly, it is important to have a positive attitude and to never give up. Secondly, students must learn from their mistakes and use them as a learning experience. Thirdly, they should stay motivated and focused on their goals. Fourthly, they should prepare adequately for all tasks and challenges. Lastly, they should be humble and accept their failures.

The failure is a painful but important experience. It teaches us valuable lessons that we can use to improve our lives. It shows us that we are not perfect and that life is full of hardships. It also teaches us persistence, humility and the importance of learning from our mistakes. These lessons are essential for students as they embark on their journey to becoming successful adults.

Personal Failure Example Essay:

Everyone has experienced failure at some point in their life. Whether it is a small mistake or a major setback, failure can be a difficult and humbling experience. It can also be a valuable opportunity for growth and self-reflection. In this essay, I will share my personal experience with failure and how it has helped shape me into the person I am today.

A Missed Opportunity

During my senior year of high school, I applied to several prestigious universities. I had worked hard throughout my academic career and felt confident in my abilities. However, despite my efforts, I was rejected from all of the universities that I had set my heart on attending.

At first, I was devastated. The thought of not being able to attend my dream school was overwhelming. I couldn’t understand how I had failed when I had put in so much effort and dedication. I felt like a complete failure, and it took me a long time to come to terms with the rejection.

Reflecting on Failure

As time passed, I started to reflect on my failure and what it meant for me. I realized that although I had worked hard academically, there were other areas of my life where I had neglected. My social life, extracurricular activities, and personal growth were all lacking because of my intense focus on academics.

I also came to understand that my failure was not solely based on external factors such as competition or luck. There were certain aspects of my application and personal character that I could have improved upon. This realization was difficult to accept, but it ultimately helped me grow as a person.

Learning from Failure

Through this experience, I learned the importance of balance in life. It is crucial to not only excel academically but also invest time and effort into other areas such as relationships, hobbies, and self-care. Additionally, I learned the value of self-reflection and taking responsibility for my actions. Instead of blaming external factors, I took ownership of my mistakes and used them as motivation to improve.

Furthermore, this failure taught me resilience and determination. Despite being rejected from my dream schools, I did not give up on my aspirations. I worked hard at a different university and eventually transferred to my desired institution. This experience showed me that failure does not define you, but it can be a powerful driving force towards success.

Final Thoughts

In the end, I am grateful for this experience of personal failure. It was a humbling and challenging time, but it ultimately helped shape me into a more well-rounded individual. Failure is inevitable in life, but what truly matters is how we respond to it. Embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning can lead to great personal development and success. So next time you face failure, don’t let it defeat you – embrace it and use it as a stepping stone towards your goals.

Short Essay on Failure:

Failure is a part of life. It is inevitable and something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. From a young age, we are conditioned to believe that failure is unacceptable and should be avoided at all costs. However, the truth is that failure is not only necessary but also essential for personal growth and success.

One of the main reasons people fear failure is because society has glorified success to an unhealthy extent. We constantly see successful individuals being celebrated and praised, while those who have failed are often ridiculed or overlooked. This creates immense pressure on individuals to succeed in everything they do, resulting in a fear of failure.

But the reality is, success rarely comes without failures along the way. Most successful people have experienced multiple failures before achieving their goals. This is because failures teach us valuable lessons that we would not have learned otherwise. It forces us to reflect on our mistakes, make necessary changes and try again with a new approach.

Moreover, failure allows us to develop resilience and perseverance. When we fail, we are forced to face setbacks and challenges, which ultimately builds our character and strengthens our determination. Without failure, we would never truly know the extent of our capabilities or be able to appreciate success when it does come.

It is also important to note that failure is subjective and often misunderstood. What one person may perceive as a failure can be seen as a valuable learning experience by another. It all depends on perspective and how one chooses to handle the situation.

In fact, some of the most successful and influential individuals in history have faced numerous failures before achieving greatness. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This mindset is crucial when it comes to dealing with failure – seeing it as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle.

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In conclusion, failure should not be feared or avoided. It is a natural part of life that allows us to learn, grow and ultimately succeed. So instead of viewing failure as a negative outcome, we should embrace it and use it as motivation to keep moving forward towards our goals.

What is failure in an essay?

In an essay, failure is a topic or theme that explores personal experiences, setbacks, or challenges and their impact on learning, growth, or resilience.

What is failure in life?

In life, failure refers to instances where one falls short of achieving a desired goal or faces setbacks, disappointments, or adversity. It is a natural part of the human experience.

How do you start a failure essay?

You can start a failure essay with an engaging introduction that might involve a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question to draw the reader’s attention and set the tone for your exploration of the topic.

Why is failure important in life?

Failure is important in life because it provides valuable lessons, fosters personal growth, and builds resilience. It can lead to self-discovery, adaptation, and ultimately, success in future endeavors.

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Essay on Failure Is The Stepping Stone To Success

Students are often asked to write an essay on Failure Is The Stepping Stone To Success in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Failure Is The Stepping Stone To Success

Introduction.

Failure is often seen as a bad thing. But, if we change our view, we can see it as a stepping stone to success. It’s a chance to learn and grow.

Learning from Mistakes

When we fail, we learn what doesn’t work. This helps us find what does work. We gain knowledge and experience from our mistakes.

Building Character

Failure also builds our character. It makes us strong and resilient. It shows us that we can face challenges and not give up.

Path to Success

So, failure is not the end. It’s the start of a journey to success. By learning and growing from our failures, we can reach our goals.

In conclusion, failure is a stepping stone to success. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. So, don’t fear failure. Embrace it and keep moving forward.

250 Words Essay on Failure Is The Stepping Stone To Success

In life, everyone aims to be successful. But the road to success is not always smooth. We often face hurdles and sometimes, we fail. Yet, it is crucial to understand that failure is not the end. Instead, it is a stepping stone to success.

When we make mistakes, we learn what not to do. This is important because it helps us avoid the same mistakes in the future. For example, if a student fails in a test, he will study harder next time to pass. This is how failure acts as a stepping stone to success.

The Role of Persistence

Being persistent is key to overcoming failure. When we fail, we should not give up. Instead, we should try again with more determination. The story of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, is a great example. He failed thousands of times before he succeeded.

Turning Failure into Success

To turn failure into success, we need to have a positive mindset. We should view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. By doing so, we can turn our failures into stepping stones towards success.

In conclusion, failure is not something to be feared. It is, in fact, a stepping stone to success. It teaches us valuable lessons, makes us persistent, and helps us grow. So, the next time you fail, remember that it’s not the end, but the beginning of a journey towards success.

500 Words Essay on Failure Is The Stepping Stone To Success

Life is full of ups and downs. It is not a smooth journey, but rather a path full of obstacles and challenges. One of the most important lessons we learn from life is that failure is not the end. In fact, it can be the stepping stone to success.

Understanding Failure

Failure is when we are unable to achieve our goals or meet our expectations. It is a part of life that everyone experiences at one point or another. It can be in school, at home, or in our daily activities. Failure can make us feel sad and disappointed. But we should not let these feelings stop us from trying again.

Learning from Failure

Each failure teaches us something. It shows us what doesn’t work and encourages us to find a different way to reach our goals. For example, imagine you are trying to ride a bicycle for the first time. You may fall down many times. But each fall teaches you something new. You learn how to balance, how to pedal, and how to steer. Eventually, you learn to ride the bicycle. In this case, each fall or failure was a stepping stone to your success.

Failure and Success

Failure and success are two sides of the same coin. To reach success, we must face and overcome our failures. Many famous people have faced big failures before they found success. Thomas Edison, a famous inventor, failed thousands of times before he invented the light bulb. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This shows that he saw each failure as a step closer to success.

Building Resilience

Facing failures can make us stronger. It builds our resilience, which is our ability to bounce back from difficult situations. When we fail, we have two choices. We can give up, or we can try again. By choosing to try again, we are building our resilience. We are showing that we are not afraid of failure. We are ready to learn from it and move forward.

In conclusion, failure is not something to be afraid of. It is a stepping stone to success. Each failure is a lesson that brings us closer to our goals. So, the next time you fail, do not be disheartened. Remember, it is just a stepping stone on your path to success. Embrace it, learn from it, and move forward with more determination. Success is waiting for you at the end of your journey.

This essay is a reminder that failure is not the end. It is just a part of the journey to success. So, don’t be afraid to fail. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone to reach your goals.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Failure In School
• Essay on Failure In Life
• Essay on Failing A Test

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