12 April 2012

K is for Kakorrhaphiophobia

I like to be good at what I do.

Even when I am not into the activity, I like to be able to excel at it at least a little bit.

I attribute this to a form of kakorrhaphiophobia - fear of failure.

It is good to not want to fail at something.  My problem comes because sometimes, I don't want to begin an activity for fear of not doing it well.  I don't want to look bad or be the one struggling unsuccessfully at anything.

I guess I need help...
I was thinking the other day about the different opportunities that I have missed out on because of my kakorrhaphiophobia (and on again, off again laziness).  There could have been money, better relationships, better living situations, better jobs, less stress, who knows.

But I missed out on them because I was afraid I might not do well.

Kainotophobia may have played a part, too.

Because, sometimes I become too content with how things are going and I don't want to upset the norm even though going against the norm may be better for my well-being.  It's not that I completely fear change.  I like change.  Change is good.  It's just that sometimes, I think I might be too afraid of what might happen to really make something happen... if that makes sense.

8 comments:

  1. I have two mottos:

    Don't let fear of rejection deter you from something you've always dreamed of.

    The only real failure in life is not trying.

    Don't waste your time thinking about what could have happened. Instead, think about what you will make happen in the future:) Nice post!

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    1. Thanks for stopping in and sharing those mottos. I am definitely trying to focus more on the future and stop imagining what that future could have been "if only if".

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  2. I used to have that too, especially since my dad was very critical. But I think being married, and definitely having a kid, I know it's ok to fail and that sometimes it's inevitable to meet others' expectations.

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    1. It is often inevitable... I just have to accept that and make things happen. Thanks for commenting.

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  3. I see this with so many of my students, often the really smart ones. If they don't get something right away, they start to act up. It's easier to just say "I didn't do it," than it is to try and fail. It's something we talk about, but it's a hard habit to break.

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    1. I guess it is true that you adopt mannerisms of those around you. I have students who do this with some assignments. It is a hard habit to break, but I am focused and wanting change, so I can't worry about kakorrhaphiophobia.

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  4. I love your K words. Wish I can remember them, but yes, I think the fear of failure is very potent for those of us who really want to succeed at what we do. And I think we're usually good at what we do. From your posts, I think you're very good at what you do. Don't let fear stand in your way.

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    1. Though I tend to suffer from them, these are definitely not words in my regular lingo. Thanks for commenting and complimenting! I appreciate both. I really do need to not let fear stand in my way!

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I share my thoughts and would love to read your thoughts, too.