This article originally appeared Psychology Today.
The need to achieve is engrained in our DNA.
Spend a few minutes talking to someone and their deepest ambitions will come to light. It may be pursuing a job promotion, earning a degree, finding a life partner, or starting a business. As a psychiatrist, I have the privilege of sitting in the front row as people share with me their deepest aspirations.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed countless dreams fall to ashes not because of failed attempts but because of the Failure to Attempt. There is an anxiety that keeps us anchored and prevents us from moving towards our goals. Our fear of failure keeps us frozen in place as the train of life passes us by.