Struggling with Fear of Failure? ‘You Can Actually Learn from Failing’

With open conversations, practical tips, and a touch of humor, the Student Wellbeing Week kicks off with a workshop on fear of failure. Students and staff come together to learn that failure is not the end, but the beginning of growth.

Sunbeams shine through the windows of the Cube as Max Remmerswaal from the SAM faction enthusiastically opens the first workshop of Student Wellbeing Week. ‘I’m glad everyone is here because mental health is very important.’

During this week focused on mental health, various associations and student organizations organize lectures, workshops, and other activities. On Monday, the overarching theme is ‘The Art of Letting Go.’ SAM and TiGeAK start with a workshop on fear of failure.

Fear of Failure

‘Am I afraid of a spider, or is there more going on?’ begins Laura Curta after a brief introduction. The third-year psychology student leads the fear of failure workshop in collaboration with Vita Community, where she is an active volunteer. Vita Community helps students explore meaning in life, among other things, by offering workshops.

‘It’s actually about how we relate to that spider,’ continues Curta. You have a situation. Then you have thoughts about that situation, to which you can respond with behavior and emotions. The group that signed up for the workshop works on the last three pillars.

Bibi Mulders, study advisor for the Global Law bachelor’s program, shares: ‘I notice that many students struggle with fear of failure. I’m here to ultimately help them better, although I do recognize some of the complaints in myself as well.’

Helplessness

Curta explains the four roots of fear of failure. ‘You have performance avoidance: you avoid difficult situations. You might also experience shame, feeling like you’re a lesser person if you fail.’

She continues: ‘Getting in your own way is another root, where you set up a situation in such a way that you can shift responsibility if the outcome isn’t favorable. Lastly, there’s learned helplessness. In this case, you believe you can’t do anything to work on your own success.’

Through a test, participants discover which roots of fear of failure they struggle with the most. The answers are discussed with the group. A friendly atmosphere fills the room, and everyone engages passionately in conversation.

Seeking Help

But what can you actually do about fear of failure? ‘Not much,’ reads the PowerPoint presentation. That might be a bit discouraging. Fortunately, participants don’t have to leave without hope. There are indeed some tips: allow your emotions, reflect on the situation, give yourself time to rest, possibly adjust your plan, and seek help from others if needed.

Curta emphasizes to the participants that failure also has many benefits. ‘It teaches you, among other things, flexibility, self-acceptance, patience, what success means, and what truly matters.’ And that’s worth something.