There is a saying in baseball that “you can’t steal second with your feet on first.” Would Ricky Henderson have stolen more bases than any player in major league history if he were afraid to risk being thrown out? The answer, obviously, is no. And yet, the fear of failure, more than any single thing, can keep us from realizing our goals. The fear of failure actually makes us fail more. The thought of negative consequences threatens us, inhibits us, and tightens us up. Fear of failure leads to contracted muscles and shortened breathing. It overloads the system with stress. Fear makes you play safe. Fear makes you play small.
Here is a fun exercise to look at fear of failure. Give each person in the group several wadded up sheets of paper and ask him or her to toss them into a wastebasket from three different spots: directly over the basket, from fifteen feet away, and from forty feet away. Then discuss how each person felt at the different distances. Studies have shown that those who fear failure will feel most anxious from fifteen feet. Standing over the basket they know success is guaranteed. Standing forty feet away they have no expectations to succeed. From fifteen feet, they feel they should be able to toss the paper ball into the basket, but they know there is a chance they may fail. When you are not afraid to fail, your chances of succeeding improve.
From an early age, most of us were told what we did wrong on a test instead of what we did right. Soon, we develop a fear of doing things wrong so we stop taking risks. Sometimes, however, the greatest risk is not to take a risk. Remember two things; none of us is perfect, and our greatest lessons usually come from failure. So the next time you get the sign to steal second, get your feet off first and run as hard as you can! You can do it. Keep trying!
By Laine September 28, 2017
I’ve decided to join TOPS. I’m afraid of not being successful, but I’ve decided to be successful and sensible about my journey. I didn’t get here overnight and it won’t come off over night, but I’m ready for the journey.
By Linda Kalakie August 16, 2017
I have had my feet planted and now ready to run exercising every day this week. Need to re-lose 14 lbs. Going to watch this blog. Thanks for the encouragement.
By Barb Cady August 16, 2017
Do each day and put it to rest. Start fresh with the dawn! You got this!
By Jocelyn Henrichs August 10, 2017
It seems like I am hopeless. I can’t seem to loose. I exercise 2 times a week. Some times 3. I have bad knees and back. Just keep trying.
By Barb Cady August 10, 2017
As long as you are willing to try again, you have hope! As Teddy Roosevelt would say, “Do the best you can with what you have where you are.” Just don’t give up!
By Martha Sutton August 8, 2017
Sometimes I feel as though I am caught in a rundown between 1st and 2nd.
By Gloria Cyrek August 9, 2017
Barb, I look forward to your blog every week and find every one if them inspiring…Thank you! I am back in the leaders position at SC 0051 and know that not 1 of our 34 members take the time to go to TOPS Website. I have started a Bulletin Board in our meeting room and will be posting your message weekly so they too, may enjoy your words of wisdom. Thank you for all you do to make this organization truly TOPS! Sincerely, Gloria Cyrek
By Barb Cady August 9, 2017
You will do a fabulous job as leader. Welcome back!!
By Barb Cady August 9, 2017
Stretcha nd slide!
By Shirley Renaud August 8, 2017
Thank you Barb for “shaking the rafters”…every single word you said was true!
Hugs..
By Nancy Hoffstadt August 7, 2017
What a GREAT message for ALL ages! Thanks for sharing.