Dear Peace Families,
In Lent we follow Jesus on the 40-day journey to the cross and beyond. During the season, many Christians have traditionally given up something—things like coffee or desserts—sacrificing something they love for 40 days, acknowledging that Jesus sacrificed even more for us. Over the next several weeks, I’ll continue offering suggestions for things we might give up—though there won’t be anything tangible mentioned.
This week, I propose giving up the fear of failure.
The fear of failure can be debilitating. But what makes it feel even worse is that it usually strikes hardest before we even start something. How many times have you had a big project to complete at home, at school, or at work, but then procrastinated? Usually we procrastinate because we doubt ourselves, undervalue ourselves, are afraid of what other people might think, and are scared that it won’t be perfect.
But the reality is, as author James Clear says, “Fear of failure is higher when you’re not working on the problem. If you’re taking action, you are less worried about failure because you realize you can influence the outcome.”
We don’t have to be perfect to try something new, we just need to show up to the starting line. We need to strive after opportunities, not deny ourselves of them. Because the reality is, no matter how high or how low our starting point is, we improve the more we do something. Just by trying and by making that first step forward, we are already moving in the right direction.
In our heads, we may believe that failure is certain, but really, the only real failure is not trying. As Clear writes, “You don’t need to be great at what you do, you just need to be the one person who actually decides to do it. You can enjoy a lot of success by doing the things that most people makes excuses to avoid.”
Take the first step. You have more support than you think. And God will be with you every step of the way.
Grace and Peace,
Joe
Family Tip of the Week
This week, try something new, or start something you’ve been putting off. Taking the first step is the hardest part!