What Would I Do If I Knew I Couldn't Fail?

Have you ever asked yourself this simple but powerful question?

‘What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?’

Take a moment and really think about it.

What dreams would you chase?  What changes would you make?  What conversations would you have?  What business would you start?  Where would you travel?  What would you finally say ‘yes’ to?  (Or ‘no’ to?)

For many of us (and I’ve felt this as well), the biggest thing standing between where we are, and where we want to be isn't our ability.  It's fear.

Fear of failure.

Fear of being judged.
Fear of making the wrong decision.
Fear of not being good enough.

These fears can quietly keep us stuck for years.  They can stop us from living the life we truly want.  They keep us in a job we don’t like.  They stop us from exploring the world, or trying new things (eg. salsa dancing, skiing, jumping out of a plane – or even just the fear of asking someone out).  Think of all the times you’ve had an impulse to do something (or say no to something), yet you’ve held back out of fear.

If you can recall some instances of holding back out of fear, you’re in good company.  Elle MacPherson wrote about doing the same thing in her autobiography Elle.

As Elle MacPherson has demonstrated, initial fear reactions can be overcome if you have the determination to face the fear, and move forward despite the fear. 

Our brains are designed to keep us safe.  That was very helpful thousands of years ago when danger was around every corner, and we had to run from tigers at a moment’s notice.

Today, our brains often treat emotional risks the same way they treat physical danger.  So our bodies are flooded with cortisol and adrenaline, ready to run – only the danger is different.  We don’t need to run in some situations – it’s more of an emotional fear, such as failing, or being laughed at, or being rejected.  Some of our current, more modern-day fears, are quite different from physically running away, such as the ones mentioned below.

-        Applying for a new job.

-        Starting a business.

-        Leaving an unhealthy relationship.

-        Speaking in front of a group.

-        Trying something completely new.

Our minds can tell us these situations are dangerous, even when they could lead to wonderful opportunities.

We begin creating stories in our head, such as:

• ‘I'm not ready.’

• ‘Someone else could do it better.’

• ‘What if I fail?’

• ‘What will people think?’

• ‘Maybe next year.’

Before we know it, another year has passed, and our dreams are still waiting.

Here's another way to think about it:

What if failure wasn't something to fear?

What if every setback simply gave you more experience?

Every successful person has made mistakes.  (References are found at the end of this article.) And yes, I've experienced each and all of these thoughts, and made the mistakes. And yes, I'm still learning, and still going.

• They've had ideas that didn't work.  (Thomas Edison tested "no fewer than 6,000 vegetable growths, and ransacked the world for the most suitable filament material" when creating the light globe.)

• They've made poor decisions.  (Tony Robbins thought he could trust some people in a business deal, but instead lost $125 million.)

• They've felt discouraged.  (‘“Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star in 1919 because, his editor said, he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”’)

• They've questioned themselves.  (Natalie Portman, an Academy Award winner, spoke of insecurity and self-doubt in a Harvard Commencement Speech.)

The difference is they kept going.

They learned.  They adjusted.  They tried again.

Failure often becomes one of our greatest teachers.  Rihanna has a tattoo on her shoulder, written backwards so she can read it in the mirror, stating “Never a failure, always a lesson”.   We can always learn from our mistakes, so it isn’t a waste.  It’s helpful to view everything that didn't happen as you had hoped as an opportunity to learn, and adjust, and move forward with new understanding and awareness.

Sometimes what feels like failure is simply feedback showing us a better path forward. (And yes, sometimes we need a reminder, as it can be easy to slip into old habits.)

Close your eyes for a moment.  Imagine someone tells you that whatever you choose to do will eventually work out.  You cannot permanently fail.  Imagine it.  Dream it.  Feel it – in your mind, in your body, and in your soul.  How do you feel? 

How would you live differently from how you are living now?  What would you be doing more of?  Less of?

Maybe you would:

• Start your dream business.

• Write that book.

• Travel overseas.

• Learn a new skill.

• Change careers.

• Begin a healthier lifestyle.

• Share your creative work.

• Speak your truth.

• Follow your heart.

• Help more people.

Notice what came to mind first.  That could be a clue about what to start with.  Where your heart and soul would like to go.  That answer may be pointing towards something your heart has wanted for a long time, but you haven’t allowed yourself to dream or take action toward it.

For me, it took a little while to change (from corporate to self-help), adapt (my mindset, and attitudes), learn (various modalities, such as yoga, Reiki, and meditation), and grow (overcome self-limiting beliefs, and take steps outside of my comfort zone).  I studied so many courses over the years, exploring what lit me up, and learning as I went.  I started my business, and then adjusted it a bit as I changed.  

If, like me, you still need a little more time and/or guidance, our Clarity Within Journal helps you go within, and really consider what lights you up.  And yes, it could take some time to really define exactly what it is that you want.  And that's ok. The journey is also lots of fun!

When life feels uncertain, your values become your compass. 

Your personal values show you what is most important to you (eg. travel, community, health and fitness).  (If you need a little more on values, our free mini-course The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self can guide you through them.)

Instead of asking yourself ‘What is the safest choice?’ (which is what I did for a number of years – following the corporate life, which I started after school), you could try asking:

• What choice feels true to who I am?

• What choice brings me joy?

• What choice helps me grow?

• What choice reflects the person I want to become?

• What choice allows me to make a positive difference?

When your decisions match your values, you often feel more peaceful, even when things feel uncertain.  For example, if you do a job that aligns with your values of helping others, there is a higher chance that you will be happy, rather than doing a job where you are asked to do things that you don’t agree with, and you continue the job through a sense of obligation, guilt, or inevitability. 

Having said that, while it might be nice to quit a job you don’t like, and immediately do something fun instead, there is of course a balance.  Perhaps you start something part time while you save some money (eg. babysitting), or you start learning about something you’d like to pursue (eg. a short course).  You could consider internships.  Or even sharing a living space with others to save money for your dream.  There are SO many ways to get where you want to go – not just the most obvious way.

I know of one lady who planned to travel to Peru with a friend, but they pulled out a short time beforehand.  As exploring the world was one of her dreams (she values learning about other cultures, personal growth, and life experiences), she decided she would go anyway.  As she couldn’t afford to travel the same way they had planned, she instead did some research, and is now living rent-free on a farm, helping with animals, while still living her dream of travelling to (and within) Peru.  

Many people wait until they feel completely confident before taking action.  However, the problem with this is that confidence usually comes after you begin, rather than before.

Every small step you take builds your confidence.

Every new experience teaches you something.

Every challenge helps you grow stronger.

So rather than wait until you have confidence to start, instead take small steps forward before you feel confident.  You don't need to know every step beforehand – just start on one small step in the right direction.

You only need enough courage to take the next small step.

We often spend so much time worrying about what could go wrong that we forget to ask another important question.

What happens if nothing changes?

Where will you be one year from now?  Five years from now?  Will you still be wishing you had started?

Sometimes the greatest risk isn't failing - it's never trying.  You don’t want to get to the end of your life, and look back, and wish you’d taken the risk to take the next step.

You don't need to completely change your life overnight.  (While that can be done, it is often difficult, and quite stressful.)

Small, consistent actions can create amazing results over time (and are usually a lot less stressful than changing everything at once).

Some example of things you could do to get start include (but are not limited to) the following.

• Spend 15 minutes each day working on your dream.

• Read one book that helps you grow.

• Take an online course.

• Have one brave conversation.

• Save a little money towards a goal.

• Apply for one opportunity.

• Say ‘yes’ to something that stretches you.

• Believe in yourself just a little more today than yesterday.

Small steps add up.  And action is required if you want to live your Best Life.

You are far more capable than your fears may have you believe.

• You have already overcome challenges.

• You have learned difficult lessons.

• You have survived hard seasons.

Those experiences have helped shape the strong, wise person you are becoming.  You have more capabilities and strength than you realise.

You don't need to be fearless.  You simply need to decide that your dreams matter more than your fears.  A strong and compelling goal can overcome fear.

Take a few quiet moments, go within, and write down your heart-felt responses, to help get you started.

• What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?

• What dream have I been putting off?

• What fear keeps showing up?

• Is that fear based on facts or assumptions?

• What is one small step I can take this week to move forward?

• How will my life change if I choose courage instead of fear?

• What would my future self thank me for starting today?

Imagine looking back on your life knowing you gave yourself permission to try.

Not because success was guaranteed.  But because you decided your dreams were worth pursuing, and you were willing to at least try.  This way, when you look back over your life, you can congratulate yourself for pursuing something you believed was worthwhile – instead of looking back in regret, wondering ‘what if I'd tried, and it worked?’

And take a leaf out of Rihanna’s mantra ‘never a failure, always a lesson.’  You will always have obstacles to overcome – and these are invaluable in helping you learn, helping you grow, and helping you build resilience. 

So, if you’re ready…. every meaningful journey begins with one decision.  One small step.  One brave choice.

So ask yourself again:  What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?

Then take one small action today.

Your future self may look back and realise that this was the moment everything began to change.

1. Why is the question ‘What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail?’ so powerful?

This question helps you look beyond fear and self-doubt.  It encourages you to think about what you truly want, instead of focusing on what might go wrong.  It can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and discover the dreams and goals that matter most to you.

2. Why am I so afraid of failing?

Fear of failure is something many people experience.  You may worry about making mistakes, being judged, losing money, or disappointing yourself or others.  While these feelings are normal, they don't have to control your choices.  Every small step you take helps you become more confident and resilient.

3. How can I overcome self-doubt?

Start by noticing the thoughts that hold you back.  Ask yourself whether they are facts or simply fears.  (You might like to journal this.)  Replace unhelpful thoughts with kinder, more encouraging ones.  Celebrate small wins, learn new skills, and remember that confidence grows through taking action, not waiting until you feel ready. 

4. What if I don't know what I want?

That's okay.  Many people feel unsure about their next step.  Spend some quiet time reflecting on what brings you joy, what interests you, and what you value most.  Journalling, meditation, spending time in nature, or talking with someone you trust can help you gain clarity over time. 

5. What if I make the wrong decision?

There are very few decisions in life that can't be changed or adjusted.  Even if something doesn't work out as planned, you'll gain valuable experience and learn more about yourself.  Every step helps you grow, and gives you information that can guide your next decision.

6. How can I build more confidence?

Confidence grows through action.  Start with one small goal that feels achievable.  Each time you try something new, learn a new skill, or step outside your comfort zone, you build trust in yourself.  Progress is far more important than perfection.

7. How do I stop worrying about what other people think?

Remember that everyone has their own opinions, experiences, and challenges.  Most people are far more focused on their own lives than yours.  Instead of seeking approval from everyone else, ask yourself whether your choices align with your values and the life you want to create.  (And if you need a little more on values, our free mini-course The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self can guide you through them.)

8. What if my dream feels too big?

Big dreams can feel overwhelming when you look at them all at once.  Break your goal into small, manageable steps.  Focus on taking one step at a time.  Small, consistent actions often lead to big changes over time.

9. How can I stay motivated when things get difficult?

Keep reminding yourself why your goal matters to you.  Celebrate your progress, even if it feels small.  Surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and remember that challenges are a normal part of personal growth.  Every obstacle you overcome helps you become stronger and wiser.

10. How do I know if I'm living my Best Life?

Living your Best Life doesn't mean everything is perfect.  It means making choices that reflect your values, bringing more joy and purpose into your days, continuing to learn and grow, and having the courage to become the person you want to be.  Your Best Life is created one choice and one step at a time.

If this all sounds great, and you'd like to do it, however your feelings get in the way, our Managing Your Emotions - Free Checklist and Journal Prompts can help. It helps to go within, and work out why your emotions are holding you back, and this is a great starting point. Our free Meditation for Beginners 7-Day Challenge works brilliantly alongside this, helping you work through your emotions, so you can take small yet meaningful steps toward living your Best Life.

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2024/02/13/how-to-fail-so-you-can-succeed-later/

https://fi.edu/en/science-and-education/collection/edisons-lightbulb

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tony-robbins-once-lost-125m-160100495.html

“BIGGEST MISTAKE Of My Career” - Tony Robbins $125 Million Loss, Trump Relationship & NLP Secrets

https://careerconnections.smeal.psu.edu/blog/2019/02/07/adulting-dont-take-criticism-personally/

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/05/portman-i-too-battled-self-doubt/

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/failing-well

The information shared in this blog post is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is designed to encourage self-reflection, personal growth, and positive mindset shifts, but it is not a substitute for professional advice, counselling, or support.

Everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Please take what resonates with you, and use your own judgement when making decisions about your life, goals, and personal growth.

If you are experiencing significant emotional challenges or need support, please consider reaching out to a qualified professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Remember, creating your Best Life is a personal journey. Be kind and patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and take small steps that feel right for you.