Advice on fear of failing?

[MermaidBrynley]

I've bought my first tail and I'm learning to swim in it and starting my journey to becoming a professional mermaid, but I am TERRIFIED of failing miserably at this business. I love mermaiding. I have wanted to be a mermaid for as long as I can remember so trust me when I say I am not in this for the money, but I would love to do it as a career. I'm also very aware that making this a career takes a lot of hard work and time, I just can't help but be terrified of failing and it messes with my confidence. Anybody ever feel like they'll never get to where they want to be? I have my whole dream planned out in front of me and I'm so scared. So, any advice on getting over fears? Thanks.
-Mermaid Brynley

[SiaTheMermaid]

I don't have any advice for you, but I have the exact same fears that I won't succeed in my business plan. I think it just comes with the territory but don't let it stop you! :)

[Vrindavana Starfish]

I have always been terrified of failure, like my life would end if I failed.

Then I failed at something. Big time. And my life didn't end at all. Not only that, it didn't mean I had to stop doing what I loved to do. You just try something different and see if that works.

Failure will happen. Sometimes big, sometimes little things. It's a sign that you're really doing something, not a sign that you'll never make it. In fact, if you never fail sometimes, then you WILL NEVER make it. Don't let failure hold you back. Know it will happen, look forward to it as a right of passage, and know that it will not be as bad as you imagine it to be. When you fail, just get up and fail better next time, :)

[Dancing Fish]

Yeah, what Vrindavana said. I did the professional bellydancer thing for a good long time and it was a long, slow process of easing into it. I might have made a go of it as a profession if I hadn't loved the science more. :) But the science was a fail-- I just couldn't cut it as a researcher. It was hard letting go of that dream, because it had really ingrained itself into my identity. Sometimes, through failure, you discover something you love even more-- one door closes, another opens. I'm a professor now and I'm ten times better at it (and happier doing it!) than I was at doing research.

As for getting over fear...you just have to force yourself to do it. The more you see that you can do it, the easier it gets. As someone who was shy, introverted, uncomfortable with negotiation, and had terrible stage fright, trust me: you can get over it. And come to LOVE it!

The consequences of just going out and doing it might be failure. On the other hand, the consequences of NOT going out and doing it are missing out on your dream. Either way (succeed or fail), you'll have a story to tell. :)

And luckily for you, you have Raina and other mentors here who are honestly amazing about sharing the ups and downs and I-never-would've-thought-of-that details about professional mermaiding. Coming from some of the bellydance forums, I'd have to say that the level of support and information sharing among the professionals here (performers AND tail makers) is rather astounding.

[Sherielle]

I know this feeling very well. I've started reading this book and it has really helped me. http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Chain-Self-Esteem-Marilyn-Sorensen/dp/0966431588

[Merfin_Aurora_Oceania]

Brynley, in life there will never be a time in your life will you be ready for anything, the most successful entrepreneurs dove into the deep end just like yourself. The more nervous you are, the more you shall attract the same energy, clear away the negative and try and focus on the positive such as a way to make it happen :) Be confident as to who you are and when you show the world who you are I hope they will accept you.

We are always here for you on Mernetwork for advice or comfort, you know you can do it Brynley, you woldn't have ordered your tail if you didn't have the courage my dear.

All the best and you can do it, believe in yourself.

[Echidna]

Coming from some of the bellydance forums, I'd have to say that the level of support and information sharing among the professionals here (performers AND tail makers) is rather astounding.

Yep!
I find that very refreshing.
I'm used to performers (and of course, craftspeople) who not only jealously guard their secrets, but go out of their way to let on false info and making sure potential competitors do not make it onto "their" turf.

The difference might be not many mers make mermaiding a living, and have it as a hobby instead.
But I've seen hobby artists being just as mean and scheming as professionals, so I dunno. :P

[PearlieMae]

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” - Thomas A. Edison

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ekaterinawalter/2013/10/29/fail-your-way-to-amazing-things/

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