Life Without Failure

Ask yourself how much of your life is driven by the fear of failing? Ask yourself how much of your life has been compromised because you fear failure. Do you watch others doing or experiencing life and "wishing" you had the courage to do those things? Even some of the extreme sports activities? Or the simple things like enrolling in a writing class?

An interesting observation is that many people compromise their lives because they are afraid of failing. People have a belief that if they fail at something they are less of a person; people are concerned with what others will think; and it just might feel bad or painful.

The truth is that failing is a reality but it is not the same as being a failure. You might fail a test, you might fail at getting a date with someone you are attracted to, you might fail in business, etc. These events do not equate to being a person who is a failure, just that you did something that did not have the outcome you expected. Failure is only a PERCEPTION.

Dictionaries defines failure in a variety of ways: 1) not performing well 2) lacking the ability to perform a simple function well 3) lacking success.

These definitions are all about perception.

The only person who can make you feel like a failure is yourself. If you take on the belief that you are a failure, then you will live life as if you really are. You will take on that persona. Do you know people who are very bright, educated, personable and yet they "see" themselves as failures? Again, perception.

Here are 3 tips to begin to challenge your beliefs about failure:

1. Do not go into anything with a negative attitude or a "back door." A back door sounds like this, "I am going to apply for that job that would be new and exciting but if I do not get the job I can always get my old job back." Key - close all back doors! If it is important and really matters to you - do not quit!

2. Do not lock yourself into unreasonable time constraints. Stating you want to lose 50 pounds in one month is unreasonable. Stating you want to lose 1 pound per week for 1 year is reasonable. It is important to set goals that are S.M.A.R.T - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely - just be reasonable.

3. Last, know that you will probably encounter obstacles. See obstacles as the universes' way of pointing you in a different direction or determining if you are really committed to your identified goals. If an obstacle appears, ask yourself what it really means - and it does not mean you are a failure.

Begin to set aside your fears of failure and begin to see life as exciting and rewarding. And to see yourself as a success.

Sonja Fullwood, author, life, health, and prosperity coach. Sonja brings a life-time of experience, knowledge, and accomplishments to her coaching business. Sonja is direct in her approach to coaching and holds people accountable for their actions and supports the greatness and potential in everyone. Visit my site at http://www.sonjafullwood.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonja_Fullwood