Fear of failure

Fear of failure serves a purpose that most don’t credit it with, and that is imbuing in the fearful a will to survive. In the turbulence of the economy around 2008 through 2012, I met with several bankruptcy attorneys and other local business owners who told me I was done. As I struggled with trying to figure out what on earth I needed to do, I came to the resounding conclusion that no matter what it took, what cost, I would soldier on. If I go bankrupt I go bankrupt, if garbage is spilling over the side, it all stinks. We made several credit maneuvers, between selling stuff and doing whatever it took to make payroll. To keep my own salary I took a vending route at night for three years. As I reflect on how I survived, realizing that the crash took out many great businesses in the economy, the biggest motivating factor in this event was my fear of failure. I managed to survive and turn things around, doing whatever I had to do to ensure I survived.

So I’m going to challenge you, whenever you’re out over the next thirty days or so to make a point to focus on being polite and courteous to anyone you meet, even if you don’t feel like giving them the respect they may or may not deserve. It’s not a matter of age or occupation; it’s a courtesy you can extend to everyone. You set an example when you display this behavior to anyone. It bolsters their confidence and their esteem when you treat them with respect. Your treatment of someone in a positive way could make all the difference in an otherwise terrible day. You never know what is going on in someone else’s life, but your respect and courtesy could speak volumes to them.