How 10,000 Useless Lightbulbs Changed the World

Today we’re discussing another perspective-bending topic that, while easy in concept, is about as easy to implement as folding a fitted sheet. It’s just not easy!

But before you crumple this post and shove it to the back of the linen closet in defeat, take a few minutes to learn how this simple change in perspective could tear down the walls holding you back from the life you want.

I’m talking about the fear of failure and inadequacy.

The fear of failure is one of the most common fears people have, ranking up there with public speaking and the fear of loss. This fear can stem from past experiences, societal pressures, perfectionism, or the self-imposed link between personal identity and achievements.

According to Dr. Guy Winch, a licensed psychologist, people who fear failure often have a history of criticism and high expectations, leading them to equate failure with a lack of worth. And perfectionism can intensify this fear, making any potential failure feel catastrophic.

You might even subscribe to the common belief that once you reach the level of success you’ve been working for, you won’t fear failure anymore.

But let me tell you, Becca, fear never really goes away. Even some of the most successful people in the world suffer from Imposter Syndrome, the fear of being found out as a fraud.

You know who had Imposter Syndrome? Albert Einstein! One of the smartest people known to history was afraid that one day everyone was going to find out he didn’t know what he was talking about.

And Neil Armstrong, the first human on the moon, shared a story about how he was at a party full of artists and scientists and felt out of place because he didn’t think he deserved to be there.

So if fear of failure is inevitable, what’s to be done about it?

Recognize that failure is not only part of life, but often the path to success. It’s normal to compare yourself to successful people and think it must have come easy for them. Surly if you had that same level of confidence and fearlessness you too could be flying around the world in your private jet and sipping gold flake martinis.

But what you don’t see are the failures and setbacks that served as the foundation for their success.

Here are a few examples…

Walt Disney lacked imagination.

Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper job because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Despite this, he went on to create Disney, one of the largest and most influential entertainment companies in the world.

J.K. Rowling couldn’t sell her book.

J.K. Rowling endured repeated rejections from publishers for her manuscript of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Not taking no for an answer, she eventually became one of the best-selling authors in history and the first author to reach billionaire status.

Michael Jordan wasn’t good enough.

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Yes, THE Michael Jordan was told he wasn’t talented enough to shoot hoops in the school gym. As you know, he’s now revered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning six NBA championships and earning five MVP awards.

You can see the path to success isn’t always roses and daisies. It takes grit and unwavering courage to dust off your knees and keep going, even in the face of rejection and defeat.

I’ll even go so far as to challenge you to change your perception of the word. While the rest of the world is fearing failure and all the negative stigma that comes with it, you have the power to see it as a catalyst for growth, personal breakthroughs, and innovation.

It’s through repeated attempts and learning from mistakes that new ideas are perfected. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Instead of seeing failure, he saw 10,000 lessons, each bringing him closer to his breakthrough and ultimately changing the world forever.

Here’s how to embrace your fear of failure:

• Reframe Your Mindset: Failure is a learning opportunity, not defeat. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others and don’t worry about judgment from people you don’t even know.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break your goals into manageable steps and don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve perfection. Progress is more important than perfection.
• Take Action: Take the first step. Even if it’s small, it sets your goal in motion. Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Even if you try and fail, you’ll be further along than if you never tried at all.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. It’s the small wins that add up to the big triumphs.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and understand that everyone experiences failure. If you experience a setback, glean what you can from the experience and use it to build up your confidence to try again.
• Be Persistent: Keep pushing forward. You could be closer to success than you think.

Action Step

This week, identify one thing you want in your life that fear of failure is keeping you from doing. Get a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.

• At the top of the paper, write down what your one thing is.
• At the top of the first column, write “3 Reasons I Want This.”
• At the top of the second column, write “3 Ways I Can Fail.”
• At the top of the third column, write “3 Ways My Life Will Improve.”

Knowing why you want this thing will give you the motivation to keep going when you experience missteps, mistakes, struggles, or rejection. This is your “Why.”

Compare your answers in the second and third columns. Chances are, the ways your life will improve will outweigh the fears and risks listed in the second column.

This exercise will help you see that the potential benefits of taking action far exceed the temporary setbacks that could happen.

And while you’re putting yourself out there, remember to embrace the unknown. It’s where all the good stuff happens!