Is it fear of failure, or fear of success—or both?
Guest post by artist and Imaginative Storm writer Zebith Thalden
We often end our weekly Prompt of the Week session with a discussion. A few weeks ago, Zebith made the very wise observation that sometimes fear of failure and fear of success co-exist: we don't necessarily suffer from just one or the other. Fear of failure needs to be treated gently, she said, while fear of success needs a swift kick in the pants.
I asked her if she'd write a guest post, and here it is! Zebith is an extraordinary multimedia artist, and you can see her work at zebiththalden.com.
As an entrepreneur, seeking out opportunities to keep my career (and goals) propelling forward has become a comfortable part of my work. Still, when I receive a request with an underlying invitation to expand my known ability edge, uncertainty and overwhelm can quickly follow excitement.
There is a moment of transition from one response to the other and, if I can pause, I often find empowered discernment in that liminal space. Otherwise, unidentified inner wisdom can easily be silenced in favor of forging ahead. By listening and feeling, I may find that I am “all in.” Other times, conflicting thoughts may need addressing. If I am not ready (yet) or it is not what I truly want, then retreat is a triumph.
Sometimes the root is a fear of either failure or success. When differentiated, these two opposite ends of an achievement spectrum have different accompanying commentary/associations and require very different actions for me to progress. If doubt is attempting to convince, a whisper of support encourages confidence. Otherwise, I need to swiftly remind myself that I cannot be the one holding back from discovering the extent of potential, purpose, or capability!
It is also important to recognize that the concepts of “failure” and “success” are subjective, individual, and culture/niche based. Often linked to comparison, pressure, and rejection, these concepts reside on the individual spectrum from not enough to too much. Also, rejection can have many meanings (and reasons), which may not be personal or negative. It may be more helpful to pivot toward worthiness and constructive reassessment.
These two fears are common for creatives. The process of making something completely new and then sharing it can bring up challenges. This is the reason I devote a section of my book The Insect Artist, a guide to nature illustration, to the courage that it takes to be an artist.
We deserve compassion and respect for the feelings and wise thoughts that arise and to advocate for ourselves (and others) when we know, so that we can move forward whole. And when it is right, take the leap!
Zebith’s new book, The Insect Artist: How to Observe, Draw, and Paint Butterflies, Bees, and More will be published on March 12. Find out more and preorder it here.
Zebith, your art is colorful, striking, and the sculptured paintings relate a fascinating story about your insects. It is wonderful you can tell such interesting stories visually and with words! You talk about the "comfortable part of my work," the fulcrum between the fears of success and failure. For me, this fulcrum represents 'belonging,' an ancient issue of being inside the glass or out. Having worked hard to overcome a childhood where I never felt I belonged, to create I must work doubly hard to move away from the center if the work is to be shared.
To the left, we have a fear of failure, driven by my relentless perfectionist nature. At its extreme, it is better to produce no work than incomplete or poor (in my eyes) work. Reinforced by low self-esteem, it can be a struggle to rein this force in.
To the right lies fear of success and the risk of alienating myself from everyone as the "miss-know-it-all" of yesteryear and "better dumb myself down to be liked" (never could manage that). The need to belong is a stern taskmaster.
So why do I even sit down to write? Why venture from the safe center where I spout the same opinions as my own? Why crawl out on the beam and risk exposure? Why am I doing that, even now? It is because I have known what it is like to have my voice taken from me and I hope to use my tools as a creative to inspire others to reclaim their voices. Even at the risk of success or failure.
It is artists like you who see the need for compassion and respect in the process of bringing to life something that never existed. Thank you for sharing your process with us.
is so nicely said and Zebith's sentence structure conveys a steadiness and a quiet.