FAILURE

By Paul Martin
Have you ever sat back and imagined what your potential could be in your working life? Many of our clients over the years have found that they feel they are in a rut or fail each time they try to get ahead so give up trying. It can be as frustrating as a leather-clad Berlin BDSM bear being trapped in a Laura Ashley frock shop for 3 months.
One major thing that can make people not succeed in their working life is called a ‘Failure Life-Trap’. This is created through having a deeply seated belief that you are a failure at the core of who you are and usually is caused by reactions to shit that happened in childhood. This could include feeling like you were a disappointment to your mum or dad because you weren’t good at the things they valued the most. Most people aren’t even aware they have it, and it usually leads to avoiding doing anything that could eventually make you successful. People also tend to blame external things for their failures.
To start overcoming it, start challenging your fears! Answer the question: “What would I attempt if I knew I couldn’t fail?” Recognise at a deep level that failing is one of the ways that we all learn, grow and evolve in life. It’s much less embarrassing to look back and say that you gave something a shot rather than feeling the regret of never having tried.
Do things slightly outside your comfort zone and take small risks. Take time to dream about what you could achieve. Notice the fears and anxiety when you think about what needs to happen to get there and remember that fears are almost always much worse than the reality! Surround yourself with people who believe in your abilities and encourage you.
If you feel you really can’t seem to overcome it, supportive counselling or hypnosis can be an effective way of helping you get over the line.
Your fabulous potential is not just a dream, follow these steps and you’ll go moist with anticipation as your gorgeous future awaits!
Paul Martin is the Principal Psychologist at the Centre for Human Potential
www.cfhp.com.au