Life, On Traditions, Spirituality

What If I Fail?

by Avril Somerville (SomerEmpress)

Why is this the question we ask when we are tasked with doing the life-changing, groundbreaking, paradigm-shifting work we are called to do? Is it because we know that this work has such power that it can be radically transformative? Is it that we doubt in our ability to do it?

Why don’t we ask instead, “what if I win? What if I succeed? What if this works, I mean really works?” What is it about our wiring that has trained us to be afraid of our own success?

This is more than a matter of faith. It is about knowing that we are capable of doing the work that tugs at our very soul despite the failures we might experience while doing it. If you don’t believe me, listen to Casey Gerald tell it. He provides a sobering, and somewhat humorous perspective on failure and the “gospel of doubt” in this audio.

Beloved, what if what you set out to do works phenomenally well? What if it blesses others? What if you learn something new about yourself, about your resilience, about your belief, about your tenacity, about your divine capability?

It is about knowing that we are capable of doing the work that tugs at our very soul.

What if you get there and find your true tribe and all the alignment and resources you need? What if you find that there is where you belonged all along; that you could not possibly become what you wish to be without having gone there and back? Could there be anything more liberating than becoming who you are intended to be … even if you fail?

Avril Somerville is the author of A Journey Of Life On Purpose. She is in the stages of bringing her début novel, How Dare You Say Goodbye? to light. To request Avril as a speaker at your next event, please go here.

8 thoughts on “What If I Fail?”

  1. Because making big changes is scary. I myself am facing a promotion and frankly, I am worried that I will not be able to do the job which involves fundraising for major gifts. It’s scary. But at least I’m willing to take it on and hoping against hope that I do not fail. Fingers crossed, deep breaths and forward!

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    1. Forward, yes! It’s the only way to go. You will do amazingly well, Monica, and all that you learn will be lessons for you and/or someone else. I’m claiming that promotion for you. Some trepidation is perfectly okay, but when you get there, own the space. 😉

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  2. I needed to read this on today as I am struggling with being a student. School is always in session, though, right? So why is this such a difficult lesson to digest? Well, I am changing my internal dialogue as I am no longer struggling. There is no time for doubt. Thank you for the video of Casey Gerald and for your words. I shall go forth because this is the “there” that I am supposed to be.

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  3. Avril – my heart stirs within when I read your words. I feel blessed, encouraged, and at times, a bit more whole. Thank you seems inadequate for the contributions you are making to my spirit, my mind, my heart, and my soul. I often tell my students “You have been gifted/graced for a reason. Playing small is not part of stewardship. Be as big as He needs you to be.”

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    1. Amen!! Thank you for reading, Clark. I’m humbled. Truly. What sound advice! That is not a part of the plan, that playing small bit. Not one bit, no pun intended. We’ve been gifted in such divine and glorious ways, our bodies just won’t allow us to rest when we don’t operate in our gifts. Thanks for adding your voice and wisdom.

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  4. Allowing ourselves to go through the process teaches us more about precisely who we are, and to liberate us from having to become anything else. Sometimes it confirms what we know, indeed. We may find that we are still the same, and that’s more than okay also.

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