The irrational, constant, overwhelming fear of failure is actually a phobia: atychiphobia.
When you’ve been handed a trophy just for participating, been graded on effort, or had your photo snapped for the local newspaper for not-always-stellar achievements, fear of failure can become overwhelming later in life.
There’s no cushion for failure in the real world.
Can you explain why your cubicle mate, Bob, stresses out when your boss mentions public speaking opportunities? Do you know why Mary shudders every time the end-of-the-month processes roll around? No – but you realize there’s real fear there.
Letting Go. If you fear you won’t succeed, take a chance and try something new, anyway.
If you’re tired of authors writing books about Gen Yers being whiny and afraid of failure, make a difference.
Failure now will make your inevitable successes later so much sweeter.
