The fear of failure is defined as an irrational and persistent fear of failing. I have a pathological fear of failure, which has been responsible for some of my inhibitions. My previous efforts to trace the source of my fears have failed, thereby generating anxiety, and reinforcing the element of fear to a higher degree. The fear of failure can lead to more failures by making you unduly anxious and reluctant to take calculated risks to achieve positive results. It diminishes your attitude towards positive-mindedness.
I have often analyzed the components of fear as a process to facilitate a better understanding to no avail. I make a deliberate and conscious effort to eschew fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of being hurt, etc. I realize that the psychological ramification of fear is intangible and futuristic and does not portend a present or imminent danger. I know that fear manifests as unease, worry, anxiety, nervousness, tension, dread, phobia, etc. Meanwhile, anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disease in the United States.
I remind myself consistently that fear is purely a projection of the mind and can have far-reaching implications on my consciousness if not adequately managed. Though these realizations tend to absolve some of the fears that I retain, they still haunt me. On introspection, I believe that the fear of failure has constrained my capacity to achieve breakthrough results. Ironically the same fear of failure may have prevented me from catastrophic losses. Though I have learned to live with it, I counsel members of my family and close friends to eschew it.
As I approach the proverbial age of three scores and ten, I have learned to practice the art of deep meditation to conquer some of my chronic fears. I learned to live in the present moment rather than engage in endless ruminations regretting my past, prospecting for the future, and pondering about factors beyond my control. I am much more conscious of my surroundings and accept things the way they are. My family and friends have also learned to accommodate my measured reactions to circumstances. I would often dismissively claim that “it is what it is.”
One of my expatriate bosses had recommended me for a promotion because I consistently maintained a severe mien. I resigned from my job with the bank because seriousness no longer represented one of the tools in my arsenal for success. I needed a closer relationship with members of my family and friends. I needed to be less severe. I have made so many mistakes in the past. I do not regret them because that was the way they were meant to be. My smartwatch helps me practice deep breathing and engage in other stress management exercises. I take consolation in the bible passage that says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6).