When I ask individuals and audiences all over the world, why they don’t set goals or work on their dreams, the most common answer I get is FEAR, especially fear of failure. And frequently I’m asked some version of the following:
How can I face my fears and move forward?
So here’s a pretty radical idea to consider…
-Imagine there was no such thing as failure!
Failure is a judgement that human beings are all too good at. The truth is that you can’t fail, not really …you produce results and your interpretation by and large determines whether you see those results as ticking the box that says success or failure.
I believe it is so much better to ask yourself – What can I take forward from this experience? And what should I leave behind?
Here’s what I know in my heart – You have never failed and you never will, what others may judge as failures are simply opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth.
Delete the word failure from how you describe others or yourself. Because the truth is you didn’t fail …you had an experience which provides the opportunity for reflection, learning and real growth. And feel grateful for this opportunity, liberated from your fears, free to become more of the beautiful creative person you are destined to become.
I’m inspired by the beautiful words of Marianne Williamson in her poem “Our Greatest Fear”
Our Greatest Fear
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us;
We ask ourselves – who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually who are you not to be?
You are a child of God
Your playing small does not serve the world
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone
And as we let our own light shine
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same
As we are liberated from our own fears
Our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
Of course, releasing your fears and learning to grow from adversity isn’t instantly achieved, but with the right outlook, and habits, it can become a reality before you know it!
