Tip of the Week

July 26, 2021

Anxiety on both sides of the fear of failure/success equation

There are many reasons why students “don’t.” Among the myriad rationales: it’s too hard,  too overwhelming, or they don’t know where or how to begin. Or worse, sometimes it’s a fear of failure that keeps students from trying. This week’s Tip is borrowed from a blog post by best-selling author Seth Godin. Godin offers another perspective on why students (and all of us) sometimes “don’t.” In his words: 

“But what if it works?”

Fear of success is at least as big a challenge as fear of failure.

Because if it works, things are going to change.

Are you ready for that?

There’s anxiety on both sides of the fear of failure/success equation. As you analyze why your child is stymied, it’s worth considering Godin’s unconventional angle: what changes when they succeed?