“When we fear failure, we retreat to the known.” (Gratton, 2022). True. Or may I suggest when we fear failure we can stay in the known, in our comfort zone as opposed to stepping out into our courage zone. Either way, retreating or staying comfortable, the result is the same … our fear keeps ups small.
This raises two opportunities, the first is to reframe or reposition our lens on failure. I loved the discussion between Dr Sarah Lewis, author of The Rise, and Brene Brown on the Dare to Lead podcast. Dr Lewis highlights failure is an old term, applied to the terminal end of mortgages. For us, we continue and enter into a space of growth, learning and renewal. At the outset it can feel heavy, gritty and tough. I totally get that and know the feeling well 🙂 Yet as Dr Lewis shares, “… once we are ready to talk about it, we often call the event something else – a learning experience, a trial, a reinvention – no longer the static concept of failure.”
The second opportunity is to build comfort in the courage zone by doing something you are afraid of or challenges you daily. I can’t take credit for this concept … some years ago Holly Ransom (CEO of Emergent and one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women as nominated by AFR) and her friend challenged themselves to do something they were afraid of every day for a year. A common response was, “How can you have something you are afraid of to action daily?” Holly’s response was something to the effect of “… are you kidding me? How can you not have something you are afraid of daily?” Holly’s right … think about the difficult conversations we avoid, saying ‘no’, venturing into the unknown or trying something new. For me, it can be jumping in the ocean on a cold or blustery day.
How are you stepping into your courage zone this week? What’s the one thing you are doing that scares you? As your Coach, I’m here to cheer loudly and support you. Let’s connect.
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/the-four-step-process-for-redesigning-work/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-ready-face-your-fears-holly-ransom/
Pats, I love your website and your ‘About Me’ description. It’s very real, personable and warm. The colour blue you’ve chosen feels bright and hopeful. It’s a really engaging website and it emanates your warmth, kindness and affirmative approach to life. xx
Thank you, Kaaren. It’s a blessing and privilege to be able to do this and to support others on their journey x