Say Yes to the Best: Overcoming Fear of Failure and Rejection
A few weeks ago I got the very joyous news that the practicum requirement for my MPH program was being waived! In case your wondering, a practicum is a work component to a graduate degree program where you put classroom theory to practice and hone your skills. I was elated when the Dean at my school deemed that I’ve done enough work in the area of public health to not need to do this component of the program.
I almost didn’t apply for this waiver because I’ve mostly spent the past eleven years in international development focusing on agribusiness and food production. I thought my public health background had been so long ago that it would probably not be worth the hassle to track down my old supervisors and to try to document my previous work. However, it was challenging to find a practicum that fit into my work schedule and interest so I ultimately decided to try and submit the waiver.
I went ahead and documented the work that I did at The Mercedes Parra Foundation and The National Minority AIDS Council. I called up my old supervisor at NMAC and my partner at MPF to let them know the university would be reaching out to them and to see if they would mind filling out the paperwork. Thankfully, they said they’d be happy to help. Lo and behold my waiver was successful!
“You can’t move mountains by whispering at them.”
Pink
My father always told me when I was growing up to never turn down myself. Always apply. This advice has served me well in life and this is another example. I could have spent months completing my practicum had I not gotten this waiver.
Remember that lesson, NEVER SAY NO TO YOURSELF! Never assume something won’t work. Always try. If it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost anything. However, if you’re successful you just might make your life a lot easier.
Tips to help you take the plunge and overcome fear:
- Be Clear About What You Want:
Define your goals clearly. A laser-sharp vision makes it easier to bring your dreams to reality. - Face Your Fear:
Overcome the fear of rejection or failure. Seek support from a therapist or coach, practice daily mindfulness, and establish healthy routines. - Write It Down:
After ensuring your goal is SMART, create a goal-focused task list. Methodical planning eases the anxiety of facing challenges. - Evaluate Your Resources:
Identify the resources needed to achieve your goals, whether it’s influential connections, an online portfolio, a winning outfit, or financial support. - Conduct a SWOT Analysis:
Apply a SWOT analysis to your personal goals, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It provides a comprehensive understanding of your situation. - Celebrate Your Win:
Once you’ve set yourself up for success, apply and celebrate. Enjoy the satisfaction of overcoming doubts and securing a positive outcome.
Remember, never underestimate the power of saying yes to yourself. It might just be the catalyst for making your life a lot easier.
