The F Word: Failure (and How It Actually Helps You Grow)

Have you ever held yourself back from doing something because you were scared of getting it wrong - or worse, being seen trying?In this episode of Grow As I Go, we unpack the F-word: failure. But more specifically, the fear of failure, fear of judgement, and fear of being seen not getting it right.This conversation explores how perfectionism, overthinking, and “waiting for the right time” often disguise a deeper fear - the fear of stepping forward before we feel fully ready.From starting this podcast to everyday decisions, I share my own experience of delaying action and how learning to move through fear has completely shifted the way I approach growth, mindset, and self trust.We also explore what success really means when you remove external validation from the equation. Because for many of us, fear of failure isn’t about capability - it’s about perception, judgement, and how we think others will see us.This episode is about redefining success, letting go of perfectionism, and learning that meaningful growth almost always begins before you feel ready.If you’ve ever struggled with self doubt, procrastination, or fear of judgement, this conversation will help you rethink what failure actually means.Because most of the time, it’s not failure holding us back… it’s the fear of being seen trying.Key themes in this episode:Fear of failure and fear of judgementPerfectionism and overthinking as forms of self-sabotageWhy “waiting for the right time” keeps you stuckRedefining success on your own terms (growth over validation)Building confidence through action, not readinessThe mindset shift from external approval to internal alignmentTimestamps:0:00 – Welcome and introduction: fear of failure02:00 – My experience delaying starting this podcast06:40 – Redefining success and failure on your own terms11:15 – Perfectionism and self-sabotage patterns13:05 – The “cheap seats vs VIP section” mindset (judgement vs support)21:10 – Choosing action over perfection + final reflection