Overcoming the Fear of Failure | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress

Overcoming the Fear of Failure: A Transformational Approach by Matt Codde

Are you letting the fear of failure hold you back from making the changes you want in your life? Matt Codde, founder of Restored Minds and creator of the AAA Response, shares powerful insights on why our fear of failure can paralyze us—and how to break free from it to achieve real transformation.

What Is the Fear of Failure?

For many of us, the fear of failure shows up when we're about to try something new or take a significant step forward. Thoughts like "What if this doesn't work for me?" or "What if I fail?" are common and can be deeply discouraging. Matt Codde openly shares that even on his own journey, he has encountered many instances where things didn't work out as planned. But instead of viewing these experiences as absolute failures, he encourages us to see them as opportunities for refinement.

The Two Paths: Failing Through Action vs. Failing Through Inaction

Matt emphasizes a crucial distinction: Are you more afraid of failing through action or through inaction? According to Matt, failing through action is actually a necessary part of growth and success. When we try, stumble, learn, and try again, we are refining our approach—just as a child learns to walk by falling over and over.

On the other hand, failing through inaction—choosing to not even try—guarantees that nothing changes. If you let fear stop you from taking action, you stay exactly where you are, and that's the only true form of failure.

Refinement, Not Failure

Matt encourages us to adopt a mindset where "failure" is seen as refinement. When you attempt something and it doesn't work out, you're actually learning valuable lessons that help you grow stronger, wiser, and better prepared for future attempts. He refers to the famous story of Thomas Edison, who reportedly found 2,000 ways not to make a light bulb before finally succeeding. Every “failure” was simply part of the process.

Become the Person Who Can Achieve Your Goals

Another key insight Matt shares is that success is less about external factors and more about internal transformation. You must become the person capable of achieving the results you want. That means taking action, learning, growing, and continuously refining your approach. No tool or information alone can create change unless you are willing to implement and embody it.

Why Inaction Is the Most Dangerous Choice

Matt's central message is clear: Inaction is the most dangerous path. By not taking action, you deprive yourself of growth, transformation, and the life you truly want. Action, even when it doesn't lead to immediate success, always leads to learning and improvement.

How to Start Overcoming the Fear of Failure

1. Reframe Failure: Understand that every setback is a step towards refinement, not evidence of your inability.

2. Take Action: Even small steps count. Each one breaks the cycle of inaction and opens the door to growth.

3. Learn and Adjust: Use the feedback from your actions to make better decisions next time.

4. Become Accountable: Recognize that you are responsible for your own transformation. No one else can do it for you.