Most of us would probably say that we are, in some capacity, afraid to fail. While I believe this is true, I also think that our fear of failure is a bit more specific than we give it credit for. For most, it’s not necessarily that we’re afraid to fail, but who we’re afraid to fail in front of.

For me, it’s my fiancé. We became engaged last month, and the closer we get to merging our lives and hearts into one, the more I dread the thought of letting her down. Sometimes it even gets to the point where I allow my fear of failing in front of her keep me from stepping up to the plate altogether.

I think we all have someone like this in our lives. Maybe it’s a father who always had impossibly high standards. Maybe it’s a daughter who has placed all her trust in your hands. Maybe it’s a brother, friend, or teacher who we’ve always looked up to and want to make proud. Somewhere, for one reason or another, we all have someone we’re afraid to look foolish in front of. 

What we forget though is that the person we fear letting down is often the same person who inspires us to step up. While I admit that I dread the thought of my fiancé seeing me fail, it is also my love for her that inspires me to get out of bed everyday and take the risks that I do. 

So in a way, I have a choice. I can either let my fear of failing her keep me from trying, or I can let my love for her drive me through the fear and onwards toward success.

Who are you afraid to fail in front of?
Better yet, who inspires you to do what you do everyday?
The answer is probably the same. 
And with a little change in perspective, the question might be also.