When you're worried about failing, it's easy to become preoccupied with what others might think. However, it's very important to remember that most people are not keeping track of your successes and failures or your life in general. They are focused on their own lives, goals and challenges. This understanding can be empowering, as it shifts your focus from external validation to personal growth.
If you've been hesitant to start a new hobby or pursue a certain project because you're afraid of how it might look if you fail, acknowledging that nobody is closely monitoring your progress can be liberating. This realization frees you from the burden of others' expectations and allows you to take the first step. With this mindset, you can explore new opportunities and develop new skills without worrying about the outcome. However, if you do muster the courage to pursue these interests and then let doubts creep back in, they can limit your thinking and actions, potentially leading to failure or dissatisfaction. When you catch yourself worrying about what others think, remind yourself that no one is paying that much attention and refocus on your own growth.
Now, if it's work-related and you have people you report to and teams you work with who definitely want things to succeed, it doesn't mean you should ignore their expectations or think they aren't observing your progress. In this case, it simply means focusing on doing your best and learning from the experience, rather than being paralyzed by the fear of failure. Understand that while accountability is important, the key is to prioritize your growth and development, over merely meeting others' expectations.