6 - Bridging the Fear of Failure: Why Coaches Hold the Key

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Join us as we move through fear-not around it-using proven psychological frameworks and hands-on strategies. Discover how to turn setbacks into stepping stones, foster a culture where learning from mistakes is the norm, and unlock your own growth edge. Whether you’re leading a business, advising one, or standing on the edge of a new venture, this episode will help you shift from “What if I fail?” to “What can I learn?”

Key Frameworks and Practical Tools

1. The A-B-C-D-E Model (from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, REBT)
A step-by-step mental framework to reframe failure and disrupt unhelpful thinking:

• A – Activating Event: What happened? (e.g., a campaign flopped)
• B – Belief: What belief do you hold about the event? (“I always mess up.”)
• C – Consequence: How do you feel and act as a result? (Deflated, avoid new ideas)
• D – Dispute: Challenge the belief. Is it really true? What else could be true?
• E – Effective New Behavior: Choose a constructive response (seek feedback, try again, reframe as a lesson)

This model helps you move from spiraling self-doubt to actionable learning and growth.

2. Normalize Micro-Failures

• Treat failures as feedback, not disasters.
• Break big goals into small experiments or “micro tests.”
• If something doesn’t work, see it as data for improvement, not a verdict on your abilities.
• This approach builds psychological safety, making it easier for teams to innovate and try again.

3. Growth Mindset Practices

• View failure as a lesson, not a final judgment.
• Focus on what you can control.
• Break projects into manageable chunks.
• Use positive mantras and self-talk to reinforce confidence and optimism.

4. Reflection and Preparation Techniques

• Analyze which elements of a “failure” actually went well and which need adjustment.
• Give yourself time to reset and visualize success before high-stakes moments.
• Use reflection to identify strengths and areas for growth, rather than dwelling on setbacks.

Takeaway

Fear of failure is universal, but it doesn’t have to be a dead end. Use frameworks like the A-B-C-D-E model to challenge limiting beliefs, normalize micro-failures as learning opportunities, and cultivate a growth mindset. Surround yourself with people-like coaches-who help you move from fear to action.

Download the free failure reframing worksheet from mylunchtable.com/podcast/6 and start learning forward. Let’s build a braver, more innovative business community-one lesson at a time.