16 responses to “Risking Failure”

  1. Jackie Dishner

    I just returned from doing something scary and hope to write about it. I seem to take risks all the time. I think we all do; we’re just not aware of it. Writers, especially.

  2. Julie

    “We are encouraged only to do that which we can be successful in” is so true and such a shame because I honestly feel that I’ve learned the most from the things that I’ve tried and failed at. You would think that knowing ahead of time that “failing is at least going to make me smarter” would be enough motivation to continuously take risks, but sadly it isn’t. I find that puzzling.

  3. Alison

    I’ve always had a fear of confrontation, and I’ve had more chances to work with it this past year than ever before. The fear still pops up in my stomach from time to time, but I appreciate the lessons and growth that come from facing fears. Thanks for the thoughtful post!

  4. Alexandra Grabbe

    I find public speaking scary, but feel so strongly about the dangers of toxic chemicals in the environment that I have begun speaking out, in public, like at Town Meeting last month.

  5. Liz

    Yes, writing is about risking failure. And if we don’t take risks, what do we gain? It’s a struggle for me, but I’m realizing that the rewards are well worth it — even in failure there is so much to gain! Great quote, thanks for sharing, Jan.

  6. ReallyRashida

    I am working on my very first novella and I’m terrified that no one will read it. I will keep on trucking, though because I’ve learned that action cures fear! I know that all will be well in the end.
    Awesome post!

  7. Joan Lambert Bailey

    This exact idea has been on my mind now for at least two years, going on three. Since moving to Japan I’ve taken a leap in career choices to focus on writing and farming. Thus far I’ve focused mostly on writing for myself, but my fear of failure keeps me from sending out regular pitches. It’s utterly terrifying, although I know it’s the only way I’ll gain exposure and learn more about this new field I’ve chosen. Your post was a great reminder to risk “going beyond that first thing.”

  8. Tia

    I actually read this yesterday. It spoke to me; yet I waited to respond. Why? Fear of failure crazy enough. I read some of the other enlightened comments and felt the fear rise. I put off responding only to realize what happened. Thanks for showing “me” to me! A nice reality check.

  9. Nava Atlas

    Hi Jan, I got a Google alert on this post, and thanks so much for the great shout-out! I recently did a blog tour and wrote a bunch of guest posts, which I can now repurpose. Since you write a lot on parenting, let me know if you’d like a guest post titled Writing and Motherhood: The Literary Ladies on the Juggling act. Or if you’d like to do a review/giveaway. Thank you again!

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