I just read a credible article that advised how to manage your fear of failure. Interesting stuff, but really only useful if you actually have that fear. I don’t, and I suspect that’s not so unusual.
On many issues or with different behaviors we all tend to lean one way or another; introvert versus extrovert, action versus thought-centered, open or closed to new ideas and so on.
It really often doesn’t matter if these tendencies are caused by genetic condition or learned response (or both). And as the years go by our individual propensities are typically subject to little change.
Frankly, I can’t ever recall being afraid of failing at anything; not ever. It seems this must be a useful bias that has served me well over the years.
Focusing on plans and action with an expectation of a positive outcome materially alters your plan-of-attack. It generally causes you to strategize for the positive outcome rather than hesitate or worry about liabilities.
However, this shouldn’t mean you act with abandon and ignore risk. On the contrary, liability should still be considered; even perhaps operating from the familiar belief that only the paranoid survive.
Many leaders and athletes are also motivated by the desire to not lose. This too presents a similar dichotomy; it’s not about winning, it’s about absolutely refusing to lose. Again, such a mindset will affect your strategy and actions.
Operating without fear of failure removes exhausting worries and unproductive trains of thought. It is materially empowering, energizing and sustaining.
If you too are normally strongly motivated by a belief in your ultimate success, just be sure you watch your own back, and:
- Check and Investigate
Never throw caution to the wind. Expecting success doesn’t mean you shouldn’t alwaysPlan, Check Liabilities and sufficiently Investigate Unknowns.
There is often something lurking that can foil the best-laid plans.
- Adjust and Head-Off
Things invariably change. Be proactive and thorough in heading-off liabilities. In all cases adapt, adjust and move forwards.
There will be occasions where goals must be revisited. Never hold up if you need not, but don’t continue blindly into unmanaged threats.
- Ask and Listen
You may have the best gut instinct on the planet, but others too have ideas, eyes and ears.Tune into your network to gather other opinions and insights. Ask questions and listen more than you talk.
Obtaining multiple views of issues from different perspectives (investors, peers, mentors, subordinates and bosses) enhances your ability to avoid obstacles and remove barriers proactively.
Gather sufficient information to prudently secure your plans, not needlessly all that is available.
- Celebrate Successes
When accustomed to winning and achieving expected results you can become complacent to the broad and deeper needs of both yourself and others. Be sure successes are acknowledged and celebrated.
Both you and (especially) your team need to enjoy each noteworthy victory. It is healthy to indulge the moment while simultaneously establishing momentum for the next challenge.
- Get Value from Misses
Occasionally things don’t work out as we plan, or they take surprise turns. Should this occur, review the positives achieved and learn from them for future. Negatives will similarly take their place in your repertoire of experience.
Extract value from the journey and feed on these lessons later on.
If you don’t fear failure you can wield a real advantage. Just be sure your positive expectations are properly managed and fully-supported in helping you secure the desired goal.
Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh