Fear of failure: understand it and find your next step

How fear of failure shows up, questions to reflect on, and where coaching can help. An honest overview, not a diagnosis.

What goes on inside

You put off decisions and projects because a mistake feels like it would say something about your worth. Better not to start than to fail.

How it can show up

You start projects only just before the deadline, or not at all.
You don't apply for things even though you meet the requirements.
After a mistake you keep thinking about it for days.
You plan very carefully but don't get to the doing.
Praise barely registers, while criticism stays with you for a long time.

Questions for you

There are no right answers. Take the question that stays with you.

What exactly do you fear if it goes wrong: the mistake itself, or what others will think?
When did you last take a risk, and what actually happened afterwards?
What would you advise a friend in your position?
Which step would be so small that failing at it would hardly matter?

Where coaching can help

In coaching we look at where exactly the fear holds you back, what a mistake would really cost in your situation, and which small, doable step makes sense now.

When other help fits better

If the fear is very strong, affects you physically or shapes almost every area of your life, a licensed psychotherapist is the right person to see.

If it is too much right now

Coaching is not psychotherapy and not a crisis service. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact the emergency services where you are right away, or a crisis service near you.

Want to talk it through?

In a free 20-minute intro call we look at whether coaching is the right way to work on this for you. If it is not, I will tell you so.

Book an intro call