Thinking about not signing up for that race because you're scared of failing?

You're often told to only achieve success and fear failure — but failure can teach you a lot. What if you thought of failure as the beginning instead of the end?

I remember when I first started running. I was slow, it took a lot of effort, and I just wanted to quit. But then I learned strategies for overcomingmy fear of failure. Now I can run a 10K (6.2 miles) without stopping!

Overcome your fear, become more confident, and begin to look at the positive side of failure with these 4 strategies.

This fear doesn't just happen! It can be caused by:

• fear of judgment from others

• belief that you can't do something

• fear of disappointing others

• pressure to succeed

• perfectionism

• procrastination because a task seems difficult or challenging

• pessimism

• and many more things

"I can't draw because I need the best pencil, the professional markers, the thickest paper, and..." Stop!

Perfectionism can derail you before you even start.

You have to start somewhere. Don't fear being a beginner. Instead, use it to your advantage. Allow yourself to create or do things without the idea of being "good" at it.

Remind yourself:

• It's okay not to have the prettiest pie in the pie contest.

• Not trying is worse than being imperfect.

• Be consistent, not perfect.

The way you think can change the way you view failure. Imagine if you just decided to think negatively all the time? You'd probably end up feeling sad most days.

Instead of:

• overthinking your mistakes

• comparing yourself to others

• avoiding risks and challenges

• focusing on how you failed

Try to:

• focus on what you learned

• compare how you've grown from your past self

• view it as a growth opportunity

• celebrate yourself for trying

Quiz: Charlie's 10K race

Charlie just finished a 10K race. He finished with a 1 hour run time, but he wanted to finish with a 58-minute run time. He starts getting angry at himself. What could Charlie tell himself? Select all that apply:

A. "Wow, that sucks. I should've tried a bit harder."

B. "Last time I finished at 1 hour and 5 minutes. I've improved!"

C. "I can see that I tried really hard. I did a good job going out there and doing my best."

D. "Maybe I should do some more training next time before I try again. So close!"

You've decided to allow yourself to be imperfect and changed your mindset, but you're still scared. What do you do?

Do it anyway!

Sometimes the hardest part is just doing what you're afraid of. Your mind will give you a million reasons not to do something.

For example, I was scared to become a team leader at my job. I kept telling myself that I'd fail because I can't lead a group of people.

Guess what?

I accepted the position and succeeded in the end.

Was I scared? Of course! But I did it anyway. I gained confidence because of it and thought, "Hmm, that wasn't so bad."

Ready? Set. Go!

If at first you don't succeed, reflect, reflect again. Wait, that's not how that quote goes.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

— Zen Cho

But it's still a great quote! The best thing about failing is that you get to try again and reflect. That seems scary to say, but it's true. You're allowed to try something new or rearrange what you did.

Break down your reflection into 3 parts:

1. What can I control?

2. What can't I control?

3. What can I change next time?

Focusing on what you can control or change is better than focusing on what you can't.

If the fear of failure is affecting you: