B efore you can begin overcoming fear, you have to be aware that fear is a paralyzing phenomenon in your life. In Matthew chapter 25 verses 24 to 25, the man who had received the one bag of gold (talent) went and reported to his master,
‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground.
See, here is what belongs to you.’
Fear is a non-existent (lifeless), mostly self-originated phenomenon. It can either be learned or be as a result of low self-esteem.
Fear of Failure
Among the various fears we may experience, fear of failure is the most common. This is a phenomenon where you become afraid of failing. In other words, it is a fear of not succeeding or accomplishing a goal or task.
In all honesty, nobody desires to or wants to be associated with failure. However, sometimes, or many times, you and I fail. At such times, this is not out of desire or intent.
Factors that contribute to failure include:
- pleasing of people or wanting to fit in (Proverbs 29:25),
- perfectionism (Romans 3:23), and
- pessimism.
Overcoming Fear of Failure
How can You Face and Handle the Fear of Failure?
In as much as the fear of failure can be easily hidden or denied or ignored or hated, it is prudent that you confront and tackle the same. The following five (5) tips are handy in facing and handling the fear of failure.
- Appreciate that failure is a universal experience
Everyone fails (James 3:2 and Romans 3:23). And nobody is perfect.
Many notable characters in the Bible, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David, among many others, had flaws. They also made mistakes. Many people in their biographies, never reveal their failures. The bottom line is that ‘human (mortality) is to error’.
- Decide and declare that failure is not final
The lives of Michael Jordan, (the late) Abraham Lincoln and (the late) J. K. Rowling are commonly denominated by numerous failures (and difficulties). However, these lives also emphasize that failure is not final.
Past failures have benefits. You can use failure with focus and discipline:
- as a motivation to be better or try again (that is, never give up (on God and yourself)! (Galatians 6:9))
- as a classroom to be better (that is, improve your skills and also allow for God’s sanctification process)
- to lessen criticism or judgement of others
- God’s purpose or plan is supreme
Our Lord Jesus renamed Simon Peter (John 1:42 and Matthew 16:18) way before he denied Him (Matthew 26). The undisputable fact is that Almighty God is in control of all things (Romans 8:28).
- Stop competing or comparing yourself with others
- Pray to God about the fear factors (Acts 4:23-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Failure is part of Success
On one hand, previous successes may not be an immunization against fear. On the other, failure(s) may have distorted who God is and who you are. However, (past) failures are the markings (of) on the road to success (achievement).
