What do you do if fear of failure is holding you back, and personal coaching is your lifeline?

Sometimes we are our worst critic and the root cause of fear of doing or not doing something lies within our values and belief systems. We have been conditioned to be certain way, conform to societal norms, standards and uphold certain image which can make us create self imposed limitations and can shape our thinking and way of being. Creating an awareness of our inner critic and how it may serve or harm us is critical. Once that understanding becomes profound, next step is to identify what we want to do about it. A coach can help client find clarity, guide them through exploration of the inner critic, limiting beliefs and ultimately create action plan and hold client accountable through the coaching journey.

Fear of failure can postpone your success. Usually this fear comes from the conditioning received in society, family, school or friends. And how do you unpack it? By recognizing where all it comes from and unlearning it. That's the step where your personal coach holds you accountable, and make you reach your goals faster.

I use a simple 3-step process here: 1) Name it. Be able to specifically write down what you are afraid of. 2) Get the facts. Is what you’ve written down objectively true? Remove emotion from this part (try pretending a good friend has posed this to you). 3) Create a new belief. Reframe your original thought into something that is: - Within your control - Focused on obtaining “good”, opposed to avoiding “bad”

Emotions are like traffic lights for us. Every emotion represents something in us. That is why we must not deny fear in the first phase. Communicate with yourself to find the root of the fear. Imagine what would happen if you did not pay attention to the traffic lights on the road The same applies to our feelings. We should pay attention to them and value their existence, because they are a guide to self-knowledge.

Being aware that you might fail is half the battle won. The other half may depend on multiple factors, but self-analysis for reasons of fear is a good starting point. This self-analysis can involve reading and listening to related content. Reading Bhagwat Geeta can be a life-changing experience for anyone fearful of failure or any other area of life. The dialogue between Krishna and Arjun in Kurukshetra will help. And if the fear still exists, revisit the work area that makes you fearful. Is that the only task left for you to perform? Are there other tasks that you can perform confidently and successfully? You should focus on them because they suit your aptitude. Only after all the above fails should one opt for a personal coach.

The S.M.A.R.T. framework is an effective strategy, however it's important to take baby steps in the direction of our goals. Small, incremental changes towards what we want, is far more effective than getting stuck on an action step that is just out of reach.

Starting with small tangible goals is a sure way to succeed. Sure it’s great to have a solid 3 year goal, but breaking that goal up into yearly, quarterly and weekly goals will help. We underestimate what we can do in a year and overestimate what we can do in a decade.

We often focus on our mistakes and failures, getting caught up in all that we are not. Shifting the emphasis toward the individual's strength will help to refocus on learning as the result of experience. Take the judgement out of the results (failure vs success) and simply take the lesson forward.

Remember that doubt is just a thought designed to keep you from moving forward. Be resilient by doubting your doubt — purposefully choosing to believe something else that is more supportive. The more you do this, the easier it is to be resilient.

Fail fast and fail frequently, we need the psychological safety that allows us to make mistakes and feel empowered enough to try again.

So many of use are afraid for help. But what we don't realise is that this is what successful people do all the time! Build genuine, meaningful connections where you can share your stories, achievements and failures. Nobody ever achieved anything completely on their own!

Action steps are essential in moving through fear of failure. However, having the support of a Coach means that you're not alone in creating a plan of actionable strategies. Personal coaches not only offer the support you need while making changes, they also hold you accountable to the steps you've committed to take.

In real estate, the known phrase is "location, location, location." In Professional Development, the key phrase is "preparation, preparation, preparation!" I can guarantee that when you prepare, prepare and prepare some more, that fear of failure will dissipate as you become more prepared. Taking action is great but you may be spinning your wheels without some type of focused strategy. My clients know that they need to work on their Custom Career Roadmap. When they have their Custom Career Roadmap, they know what to work on next which prevents anxiety and fear.

Taking on things that can be a bit daunting is the first step towards gaining confidence. Start with small steps and then grow them. Having a Game Changing Conversation everyday can really help you become less fearful.