Overcoming fear of failure and procrastination
Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 9:34PM There are times when I just can't face something. A report, an email, a phone call, a project. I think it will go badly. I question my ability to do it. So I avoid it. Delay it. Anything to avoid the inevitable evidence I'm a fraud and not worth it. Anything to avoid failing.
But here's a surprise. Once I get started, it usually goes quite well. Sometimes very well. Because no matter what I challenge myself with I usually have the capability to do it. Sometimes it means asking for help. Sometimes it means being honest and saying I've done my best and know it's not perfect. Sometimes it means doing it a few times and practicing inbetween to get better.
It's the fear you see.
I'm not stupid. I have the evidence to show I'm not stupid. Other people know I'm not stupid but I still get the fear.
And I know there is only one way to overcome it. To face it. To start whatever I think I can't do. To achieve that very first step whether it's the first three paragraphs of the report or drafting the key points of an email or phone call on pen and paper. To reinforce I can at least start it. To remember the times I thought I couldn't do something but did it and got great positive feedback.;)
And each time I do this I end up with another success to put in the bank for next time. To remind me I can.
The fear will never go away. I won't always feel like challenging it but I know how to fight it and I know that I'll win.
Which reminds me, I've got something to start.