Hello, dear creative mind! Today, we're exploring some common but critical questions: “How can I get myself to finally take action on what I need to do?” “How can I feel confident to go after what I want?” and “How can I overcome my fear of failing at my dreams?”

If you ever feel held back by fear of failure or find yourself avoiding actions because you worry they might not work out, this conversation is for you!

Understanding Your Relationship with Failure

One of the first steps in overcoming fear and taking action is to explore your relationship with failure. Many of us find failure deeply uncomfortable. The thought of investing time, energy, and resources into something that might not work out can be terrifying. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, where we focus on less impactful tasks to avoid the risk of failure.

Reflect on Your Beliefs About Failure

Ask yourself: How do you relate to failure? What thoughts, beliefs, and emotions do you have around it? How do you react to it, or perhaps choose to avoid it?

For many creatives, the fear of failure is tied to vulnerability. The possibility of investing so much into something and it not working out is daunting. Often, we avoid taking significant actions because we fear they might lead to failure, even if these actions could also lead to success.

The Impact of Avoidance

Avoidance can lead to exhaustion. We spend energy on tasks that feel safe but don't move us forward. For example, you might find yourself spending hours creating content on Instagram instead of reaching out to an art gallery or pitching your music to a producer. These impactful actions take less time and have a higher chance of success, but fear holds us back.

What's Underneath the Fear?

To address this, reflect on what’s lying underneath your fear. What does failure mean to you? Maybe you're afraid of wasting time or of being judged. Perhaps you fear that success will bring new pressures and expectations.

Shifting Your Perspective on Failure

To move past these fears, we need to shift our perspective on failure. Failure is not the enemy; it's an essential part of the journey. Athletes, for instance, learn to see setbacks as opportunities for growth. They bounce back from failures quickly because they understand it's part of their development. Similarly, as creatives, we can learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

Practice Failure and Seek Support

Unlike athletes, creatives don't often practice failing. We need to put ourselves in situations where we might fail and learn to recover. Additionally, finding a support system can be crucial. Sharing our struggles and receiving support can help us navigate failures and setbacks more effectively.

Remember, failure can be a powerful teacher. It broadens our perspective, helps us find better solutions, and fosters innovation and transformation. When you face a challenge, channel your emotions into your work. Take breaks to gain fresh perspectives, and don't hesitate to seek support from your community.

Journaling Prompts for Reflection

To help you explore these concepts, here are some journaling prompts:

What unexpected opportunities might arise from this situation?
How can I turn this failure into a plot twist in my life's story?
If this were a puzzle, what are the missing pieces I need to find?
What role did courage play in my attempt, and how can I honor that courage going forward?
If I were a superhero, what superpower would help me overcome this obstacle?
What if failure were just a dress rehearsal for spectacular success?
If my life were a canvas, how would I paint over this mistake to create a masterpiece?

Here's a final thought: When something doesn't work, try playing with it. Carry this playful invitation with you and see how it changes your approach to challenges.

Create a Success Board

Consider creating a "success board" to focus on the feeling of success and what it looks like for you. This can help shift your energy towards achieving your goals rather than running away from failure.

Curious about how coaching can support you this season? I'd be delighted to hold space for you in a complimentary clarity session.