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Fear of Failure

May 12, 2009 By Bonnie Marcus

Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish. ~ Ovid

What great wisdom from a Roman poet. But how often are we willing to take risks and take chances. It’s pretty scary, right?

Have you thought about what your business would look like if you had NO fear of failure and rejection? Fear is such a powerful obstacle for most of us and the reality is that this fear constantly holds us back from success.

In theory, the solution seems so simple. Just put your fears aside and march gallantly out into the world with your message. We all know that it is simply not that simple. Many of us are terrified. If we all had the ability to overcome our fears, success would be achievable for everyone who seeks it.

We cannot escape our fear. We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us on all our exciting adventures…Take a risk a day-one small or bold stroke that will make you feel great once you have done it. ~Susan Jeffers.

I love this quote because the goal of completely eliminating all our fears is daunting. Why not make fear a friend who accompanies us through life but never holds us back? It’s OK to acknowledge that you’re frightened, but when you let fear control the accelerator, it is very difficult to move forward.

What are some of your fears about promoting yourself and your business or current job position?

  • fear of rejection
  • fear of making a fool of yourself
  • fear that someone will find out you’re not really that good
  • perfectionism
  • fear that people won’t like you
  • fear of success

Let’s recognize that we all have some of these fears and let’s recognize that these fears are preventing us from getting out there and promoting ourselves effectively.

What would your business or career look like if you were willing to make fear your companion and not your gatekeeper?

Can you take one small risk at day to promote yourself?

What is the worst thing that could happen? You might just catch that fish!!


Bonnie Marcus

Bonnie Marcus is a Certified Executive Coach. With 25 years of sales and management experience, Bonnie has an extensive business background that includes VP of Sales at several national companies as well as CEO of a national healthcare company. She has held executive positions in startup companies and Fortune 500 companies. As the founder and principal of Women’s Success Coaching, Bonnie’s specialty is helping women in business achieve success and maximize their potential. She assists women with promoting themselves effectively in order to advance their careers and grow their businesses. Bonnie is well known for her motivational speaking and innovative workshops.

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Filed Under: Female Entrepreneurs, Female Executives, Marketing, Networking, Personal Development, Sales, Uncategorized, Women Business Owners, Women On Business Tagged With: Add new tag, fear of failure, fear of selling, fear of success, self-promotion

Comments

  1. Shann says

    May 12, 2009 at 8:44 am

    Great post, Bonnie!

    F-E-A-R
    False
    Expectations
    Appearing
    Real

    Your post is a great reminder to not allow our false insecurities keep us from our next daring adventure.

    Shann

  2. Jessica says

    May 13, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Yes, this was terrific. Shann, your F-E-A-R is also a good device.

    Does this apply to men, too? I think so, but would like to hear what others think.

    What words appeal to men to take steps to move beyond fears they won’t even admit exist? (some may think I’m talking about marriage, LOL, but I’m talking about business situations). “Listen you jerk, get over it and move on, and I only mean that in the nicest way,” is blunt but not terribly polished.

    Thanks!

    Jessica

  3. Bonnie Marcus says

    May 17, 2009 at 9:06 am

    Jessica,
    I think it does apply to men but it’s much more difficult for men to admit the fear. Until they acknowledge the fear, it’s hard to get over it.
    Maybe your blunt message would help! LOL.

    Bonnie

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