istic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Moun

We’ve all been there. We have a dream we want to pursue, but we’re afraid. Specifically, we’re afraid of failure.

What if it does not work? What if I don’t make money? What if I make a big mistake? What if? What if?

How do we jump start our dreams when we’re afraid of failure? How do we cope with the fear of failure?

The following are some things to consider if the fear of failure is blocking your dreams:

1. Failure is a lesson I always say there are no failures or mistakes only learning experiences. Failure is part of the learning process.

Failure is a lesson. People who succeed will tell you, they learned more from their failures than their successes. Failure is not the end of your world or your dream.

A failure is a temporary setback that allows you to assess, regroup and pursue other options. Look at what happened. See where changes can be made. Then proceed forward.

2. Research, prepare, plan Not all fear is irrational. It makes sense to take into account the “what if” scenarios. So brainstorm the potential problems you may encounter. Research your options for dealing with those problems. Therefore you’ll be prepared for many, if not all, problems. And then plan accordingly.

Like the saying goes, “expect the best, but plan for the worst.” A solid plan will ease your worries.

3. Keep your goals realistic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Mount

llowing are some things to consider if the fear of failure is blocking your dreams:

1. Failure is a lesson I always say there are no failures or mistakes only learning experiences. Failure is part of the learning process.

Failure is a lesson. People who succeed will tell you, they learned more from their failures than their successes. Failure is not the end of your world or your dream.

A failure is a temporary setback that allows you to assess, regroup and pursue other options. Look at what happened. See where changes can be made. Then proceed forward.

2. Research, prepare, plan Not all fear is irrational. It makes sense to take into account the “what if” scenarios. So brainstorm the potential problems you may encounter. Research your options for dealing with those problems. Therefore you’ll be prepared for many, if not all, problems. And then plan accordingly.

Like the saying goes, “expect the best, but plan for the worst.” A solid plan will ease your worries.

3. Keep your goals realistic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Moun

. Failure is not the end of your world or your dream.

A failure is a temporary setback that allows you to assess, regroup and pursue other options. Look at what happened. See where changes can be made. Then proceed forward.

2. Research, prepare, plan Not all fear is irrational. It makes sense to take into account the “what if” scenarios. So brainstorm the potential problems you may encounter. Research your options for dealing with those problems. Therefore you’ll be prepared for many, if not all, problems. And then plan accordingly.

Like the saying goes, “expect the best, but plan for the worst.” A solid plan will ease your worries.

3. Keep your goals realistic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Moun

narios. So brainstorm the potential problems you may encounter. Research your options for dealing with those problems. Therefore you’ll be prepared for many, if not all, problems. And then plan accordingly.

Like the saying goes, “expect the best, but plan for the worst.” A solid plan will ease your worries.

3. Keep your goals realistic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Moun

istic I’m all about optimism. However, you must have realistic goals for yourself. If your dream is to write a novel, don’t expect to sell 1 million copies your first time out.

Unrealistic expectations are set ups for disappointments. If you sell 1,000 books instead of 1 million, you’ll feel like you failed.

So before you climb Mount Everest try climbing the mole hill first. An accumulation of little successes builds confidence, and prepares you for the bigger challenges and rewards that await you.

4. You do not fail The problem we have is that we associate failure with who we are. Do not confuse who you are with what you do. You are not a failure. What you did did not work out as planned.

In fact you are a success because you stepped out and pursued your dream. How many people do you know who talk about their dreams, but never pursue those dreams?

You are exceptional. You overcame your fear and became a doer. That in itself is an accomplishment.

So do not allow fear to rob you of the fulfillment of your dreams. You owe it to yourself and others to share your gifts and talents.