Yesterday, my husband led a business meeting at work. After presenting an idea to the team for consideration, they were ready to implement the plan to see how this would work for them - with the exception of one middle manager, the one who is almost always contrarian, pessimistic, naysaying and doom-forecasting. “This will never work!” He prophesied. My husband responded, “We are going to try it!”

As my husband and I mulled over the interaction at his team meeting, I played the role of the analyzer as usual. “This manager has a strong fear of failure!” I said. When he prophesied the idea would never work, he was really saying, “This plan is not foolproof and failure-proof and I am uncomfortable with this!”

Before I start pointing a finger at this manager, I have a confession to make. I used to be just like that. Before I tried anything, I wanted to be sure the plan was flawless and that I could achieve the goal without any glitches, errors, diversions and digressions.

Having this focus is wonderful. Planning well is essential. Executing a flawless plan is stunning. The only problem is this: I would not try anything unless I felt assured of its perfection and flawlessness. How many opportunities for discovery, growth, and eventual success have I missed because of my fear of failure? I cannot even begin to count them.

In his bestselling book “Built To Last”, former Stanford business professor Jim Collins researched a number of companies that seem to be able to weather storms, be the industry leader, and maintain a competitive position in the market. He found one characteristic common to these companies is their commitment to test and try new ideas. These companies have created a corporate culture that encourages experiment and stares down the fear of failure. Much like the acrobats in the video, they reached their final destination of success by taking the risks to fail.

If this approach to corporate life can serve as an example, what am I to learn for my personal life?

·What is my attitude toward “failure”?ow d How do I see “experimentation”? Do I see my activities as part of my journey toward success? Or do I see my activities as a road that divides into a fork leading to EITHER success OR failure?

·How much self-awareness do I have about my fears within? I take a few brief moments each day to listen to myself. What is the conversation going on in that little mind of mine?

·I know my abilities and skills have been used well in the past to create success. What have been some experiences that can serve as anchors for me now as I consider some new projects?

What are some life lessons you have learned about self-awareness? What are some fears that you wrestle with? How do you get yourself unstuck?

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