#Fear Of Failure

Perfectionism’s Costly Game With Little Payoff

Elizabeth Gilbert’s line reframes perfectionism not as a virtue but as a rigged game: the stakes feel enormous, yet the rewards rarely match the effort. Instead of “excellence,” perfectionism often means anxiety-driven overcontrol—an attempt to guarantee outcomes that life can’t guarantee. By calling it a game, she also hints at its rules: you keep playing because you believe the next round will finally make you feel safe. This perspective matters because it separates healthy ambition from compulsive self-policing. In that light, the quote is less an attack on craft and more a warning about a mindset that quietly drains time, joy, and creative courage. [...]

Fear of Failure, and the Courage to Try

Having identified fear, Child offers an antidote: a “What the hell?” attitude. This isn’t carelessness so much as permission—an intentional loosening of the grip that anxiety has on decision-making. It is the moment you stop negotiating endlessly with your doubts and decide that doing the thing imperfectly is better than not doing it at all. In that way, the phrase functions like a mental lever. Instead of asking, “What if I mess up?” the attitude answers, “Maybe I will—and I’ll learn.” The emotional tone matters: humor and audacity can break the spell of overthinking. [...]

One Who Is Afraid of Failure Is One Who Is Afraid of Success — P. Shankar

Shankar’s insight reflects a universal truth present in human psychology and motivational philosophy: facing failures with courage is the stepping stone to success and self-realization. [...]

To Succeed, Your Desire for Success Should Be Greater Than Your Fear of Failure - Bill Cosby

It emphasizes that motivation, determination, and a strong drive are key to success. When these factors overpower fear, they push individuals to take risks and pursue their goals. [...]

The Greatest Barrier to Success is the Fear of Failure — Sven Goran Eriksson

The quote suggests that in order to succeed, one must confront and overcome the fear of failure. Success is not solely about avoiding failure, but rather about being willing to take risks and learn from errors along the way. [...]

The Greatest Mistake You Can Make in Life is to Fear Making One - Elbert Hubbard

Hubbard is advocating for a mindset where mistakes are seen as a natural part of growth. Fearing them excessively stops you from learning and evolving. [...]

Don't Let the Fear of Losing Be Greater than the Excitement of Winning - Robert Kiyosaki

This quote emphasizes the importance of courage and the willingness to take risks. It suggests that fear of potential failure should not overshadow the potential rewards and joys of success. [...]