Failure…The Unspoken “F” Word
The fear of failure can be heavy, especially when managing multiple responsibilities and wearing different hats. It’s an emotion that strikes particularly hard when you care deeply about your roles and the people relying on you. That fear might push you toward excellence but can also feel like an invisible burden.
Here’s something to consider:
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s often a key part of it.
Many successful people have experienced setbacks, but they’ve reframed failure as a stepping stone rather than a stopping point.
Breaking Down the Fear of Failure
- Fear often comes from high standards. You’ve likely set the bar high in every area of your life, and that ambition fuels your achievements. However, when you demand perfection, it can turn into a constant fear of not measuring up.
- Failure feels personal. It’s easy to conflate a professional or personal misstep with being inadequate. This narrative isn’t true, but it’s powerful.
- The external mask hides the internal struggle. To others, you’re thriving: running your dental practice, being there for your family, and contributing to DPLN. Inside, though, the fear of failure can create anxiety and imposter syndrome.
Reframing Failure
Now that we’ve broken down the fear of failure, how do we reframe it?
Reframing failure is about shifting your perspective. Seeing it not as the end of the road but as a natural, even valuable, part of growth and success.
Here are some practical ways to do this:
Redefine What Failure Means
- Instead of: “Failure means I’m not good enough.”
- Try: “Failure means I’m trying, learning, and growing.”
Think of failure as feedback rather than a judgment. It’s simply data about what didn’t work, which can guide you toward what will.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Success is often measured in outcomes, but true growth comes from the effort and resilience you show.
Reflect on questions like:
- Did I give my best effort?
- What did I learn from this experience?
- How can I use this to do better next time?
Shift Your Self-Talk
Be kind to yourself—treat your inner dialogue like a friend seeking encouragement. Replace self-critical thoughts with constructive ones:
- Instead of: “I failed; I’ll never get this right.”
- Say: “This didn’t work, but I’m one step closer to figuring it out.”
Normalize Failure as a Leader
Recognize that failure isn’t a weakness—it’s a universal human experience.
Great leaders often fail, learn, and grow stronger. Share your lessons from failure with others to create a culture where growth is valued over perfection.
This is where having your tribe at AADOM is so important. Believe it or not, there are so many like YOU!
Celebrate Your Courage to Try
Every time you take a risk, you demonstrate courage and determination. Failure proves that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone—and that’s where growth happens.
Taking risks is a testament to your bravery and willingness to evolve. It’s easy to stay in the safety of what’s familiar, but growth requires stepping into uncertainty.
Each time you venture outside your comfort zone, even if it doesn’t go as planned, you’re expanding your capacity to learn, adapt, and achieve. Even when failure happens, it’s a sign that you’re actively pursuing growth, pushing boundaries, and refusing to settle for less than your potential.
Instead of fearing it, you can embrace it as evidence that you’re progressing. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s taking action despite it. Fear is normal, but so is your strength to overcome it.
About the Author
Danielle Dailey, MAADOM
Danielle Dailey has been in the dental industry for just over 27 years and was one of the founding members of the AADOM DPLN study club BAM Leadership League in 2018, where she serves as President. In addition, she also is the Office Manager of South River Dental Care in Edgewater, Maryland.
She became a lifetime member of AADOM in 2006 and was inducted with the inaugural class to receive Fellowship with the organization in 2010 and then went on to obtain her Master distinction in 2024.
Over the course of her career, Danielle has developed a passion for not only helping and educating her patients but also leading her fellow dental administrative community.
