What do you do if you're a designer paralyzed by the fear of failure?

1 Acknowledge your fear

The first step to deal with your fear of failure is to recognize it and accept it. Don't deny, ignore, or suppress your emotions. Instead, try to understand where they come from and what triggers them. Maybe you have some negative beliefs or experiences that make you doubt your abilities or worth. Maybe you have some unrealistic or perfectionist standards that set you up for disappointment. Maybe you have some external pressures or influences that make you feel insecure or inadequate. Whatever the source, acknowledge your fear and be compassionate with yourself. Remember that you are not alone and that every designer faces some form of fear at some point.

2 Reframe your failure

The second step to deal with your fear of failure is to reframe it and learn from it. Don't see failure as a sign of weakness, incompetence, or shame. Instead, see it as an opportunity to grow, improve, or innovate. Failure is not the end of your journey, but a part of your process. It can teach you valuable lessons, reveal new insights, or inspire new solutions. It can also help you discover your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats. Instead of focusing on the negative outcomes, focus on the positive feedback. Ask yourself what you can do better, differently, or more effectively next time.

3 Adjust your goals

The third step to deal with your fear of failure is to adjust your goals and expectations. Don't set yourself up for failure by aiming for unrealistic, vague, or unattainable goals. Instead, set yourself up for success by aiming for realistic, specific, and achievable goals. Break down your big goals into smaller and more manageable steps. Define your criteria for success and measure your progress. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself. Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Don't compare yourself to others or to idealized standards. Compare yourself to your own past performance and to your own potential.

4 Seek support

The fourth step to deal with your fear of failure is to seek support and guidance. Don't isolate yourself or suffer in silence. Instead, reach out to others who can help you, motivate you, or inspire you. Find a mentor, a coach, a peer, or a friend who can offer you constructive feedback, advice, or encouragement. Join a community, a network, or a group of like-minded designers who can share their experiences, challenges, or solutions. Seek inspiration from other designers who have overcome their fears and achieved their goals. Learn from their stories, strategies, or tips.

5 Take action

The fifth step to deal with your fear of failure is to take action and overcome your inertia. Don't let your fear stop you from trying, experimenting, or creating. Instead, let your passion, curiosity, or purpose drive you to act, explore, or produce. Start with small and simple tasks that can build your momentum and confidence. Try new techniques, tools, or methods that can challenge your skills and creativity. Test your ideas, prototypes, or designs with real users, clients, or stakeholders. Get feedback, iterate, or improve your work. Embrace uncertainty, risk, or change as part of your design process.

6 Have fun

The sixth step to deal with your fear of failure is to have fun and enjoy your work. Don't let your fear rob you of your joy, enthusiasm, or satisfaction. Instead, let your work express your personality, style, or vision. Find the aspects of your work that excite you, interest you, or fulfill you. Play with your ideas, concepts, or elements. Experiment with your colors, shapes, or fonts. Add some humor, emotion, or surprise to your work. Make your work meaningful, engaging, or delightful for yourself and your audience.