Why does fear of failure develop?

A lot of my adult life I was impacted by fear of failure, which led to procrastination, avoidance and general anxiety. This week I’ve done some research into the reasons why fear of failure develops. Some of the reasons that it come up are:

Perfectionism: People who hold themselves to super high standards may fear failure because they view it as falling short of perfection, they may worry that any mistake or setback will tarnish their self-image or lead to disapproval from others.

Negative self-image: Those with low self-esteem may fear failure because they perceive it as confirmation of their perceived inadequacies, they may internalise failure as evidence of their unworthiness.

Social pressures: External pressure from family, peers or society can contribute to fear of failure. The fear of failure can be increased by the perceived consequence of falling short.

Past rejection or trauma: Previous experiences of failure, rejection or criticism can leave emotional scars that influence future behaviour. Those who have faced significant setbacks or negative feedback may develop a fear of repeating those experiences, leaving to avoidance or risk-averse behaviour.

Fixed mindset: a fixed mindset, characterised by the belief that intelligence, abilities and talents are innate and unchangeable, can contribute to the fear of failure, as these people will view failure as evidence of their own limitations, rather than as an opportunity for growth.

Loss Aversion: The fear of failure can be driven by an aversion to loss or negative outcomes, people may fear consequences such as financial loss, embarrassment or damage to relationships, and go to great lengths to avoid these outcomes.

Unknowns: Fear of failure can be heightened in situations where outcomes are uncertain or unpredictable, the fear of the unknown can paralyse individuals, preventing them from taking risk or pursuing opportunities.

Comparisons with others: Constant comparison with others, particularly in this age of social media can fuel feelings of inadequacy and fears of falling short. The fear of failing to measure up to others’ achievements or standards can be a powerful motivator for avoiding failure at all costs.

Overall the fear of failure is a complex phenomenon, influenced by many internal and external factors, recognising and understanding the root causes is an important first step in overcoming it and pursuing goals with confidence and resilience.