I am afraid to be judged. I am afraid to do what I need to do to achieve my potential. I am afraid I will not be able to provide for my family. I am afraid I will go all in and not find the success I am looking for. This fear of failure is getting in the way of the progress I need to make. I know all of this, and I still struggle to do what needs to be done.
Panos Panay spoke to a group of leaders at Microsoft and asked them one question:
Are you willing to fail?
Panos Panay
Do you believe in what you are doing so much that you are willing to be judged for it? Will you let your ego get in the way or are you willing to fail?
These questions triggered reflection that was needed in me. He counseled us not to go looking for failure, it’ll come, but mentally prepare yourself to fail because if you get there, you can do amazing things.
I am still pondering on these questions. I want to believe I am willing to fail, and I recognize I am not taking the risks I need to take today.
Pause today for a few minutes and ask yourself – “Am I willing to fail?” and then write down your answer in your journal.
Have you already made it through this critical mental hurdle? If so, please share with me what you did to get there.
