3 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I handle the fear of failure?
I am often scared to network, ask questions, making mistakes and over all putting myself out there due to the fear of failure or being rejected.
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3 answers
Jewels Nocera
Software Engineering
5
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Jewels’s Answer
I've definitely felt this way throughout my career, putting yourself out there is hard! I try to remember that many people feel the same way I do and we're all in this awkward networking journey together. My dad used to say, "You never know what you can do until you try," and that's stuck with me. This mindset helped me attend networking events even when I didn't feel like it, and I just tried my best to connect.
Overcoming the fear of failure takes time, but remember, no one starts out perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. I try to see failures as chances to learn. What went wrong? How can I be better prepared next time? What will help me succeed? It feels good to "win" but you never grow as much as when you "fail".
Try to find a networking event related to your interests and sign up. When the time comes, don't think about it too much, just go. Keep the pressure low--just talk to one person if you can. See how it feels :) I hope it's not as scary as it seems!
Overcoming the fear of failure takes time, but remember, no one starts out perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. I try to see failures as chances to learn. What went wrong? How can I be better prepared next time? What will help me succeed? It feels good to "win" but you never grow as much as when you "fail".
Jewels recommends the following next steps:
Gail Manley
I set strategy and support the Social Impact team
18
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Gail’s Answer
Hello! Let's chat about networking and asking questions. Asking questions is a powerful skill that often goes unnoticed. When you're networking or meeting new people, instead of talking about yourself, try asking them a question. If you're at an event, ask what they think about the speakers or the event itself. Inquire about their job and how they chose that path. People enjoy talking about themselves because it's a topic they know well. Being curious about others can help break the ice and show you care about them.
Once the conversation starts, you can slowly share a bit about yourself. Begin with simple things like where you study, your interests, or your family—whatever feels comfortable. If you're shy, start small. When you're out, try saying hello to a few people each day, like in a coffee shop line or an elevator. There's no need for a full conversation unless you want to.
Regarding mistakes, remember the saying, "Don't cry over spilled milk." What's done is done. It's more important to learn from mistakes than to avoid making them. Mistakes are part of learning. Think about when you learned to walk as a baby—you fell a lot but kept trying and learned each time. Mistakes are just choices, some better informed than others, but all are learning opportunities. No one is perfect, but you can handle challenges and grow from them. Embrace mistakes; they help you improve.
Once the conversation starts, you can slowly share a bit about yourself. Begin with simple things like where you study, your interests, or your family—whatever feels comfortable. If you're shy, start small. When you're out, try saying hello to a few people each day, like in a coffee shop line or an elevator. There's no need for a full conversation unless you want to.
Regarding mistakes, remember the saying, "Don't cry over spilled milk." What's done is done. It's more important to learn from mistakes than to avoid making them. Mistakes are part of learning. Think about when you learned to walk as a baby—you fell a lot but kept trying and learned each time. Mistakes are just choices, some better informed than others, but all are learning opportunities. No one is perfect, but you can handle challenges and grow from them. Embrace mistakes; they help you improve.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Nevaeh
Sarah Ehsan
Product design
4
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I think you'd be surprised with how often you'll succeed rather than "fail"! You loose 100% of the shots you don't take... One conversation can change the trajectory of your career, life, etc (in a good way!). Even if you do feel as though you've been "rejected" or "failed" - keep pushing and give yourself grace. We've ALL been there - it's part of life. Don't let your fears hold you back, I'm rooting for you!