The Search for Significance

38 The Search For Significance"I must meet certain standards in order to feeltheir performance and ability to adhere to theirschedule. For example, Brent made a list every dayof what he could accomplish if everything wentperfectly. He was always a little tense because heneeded to use every moment effectively to reachhis goals. If things didn't go well or if somebodytook up too much of his time, Brent got angry.Efficient, effective use of time was his way of attainingfulfillment, but he was miserable. He wasconstantly driven to do more, but his best wasnever enough to satisfy him. Brent failed to realizethat the focus of the Christian life should beon Christ, not on self-imposed regulations. Our experienceof Christ's lordship is dependent on ourattending to His instruction moment by moment,not our own regimented schedule.As these cases demonstrate, the first false belief:good about myself," results in a fear of failure.How affected are you by this belief? Take thefollowing test to determine how strongly you fearfailure.

The Performance Trap 39FEAR OF FAILURE TESTRead the following statements. Look at the topof the test and choose the term which best describesyour response. Put the number above thatterm in the blank beside the statement1 2 3 4 5 6 7Always Very Often Often Sometimes Seldom Very Seldom NeverX) I. Because of fear, I often avoid participatingin certain activities."S2. When I sense I might experience failurein some important area, I becomenervous and anxious.3. I worry.^ 4.I have unexplained anxiety._j 5. I am a perfectionist6. I am compelled to justify my mistakes._J. There are certain areas in which Ifeel I must succeed.8. I become depressed when I fail.9. I become angry with people who interferewith my attempts to succeed,and as a result, make me appear incompetent7s y> 10. I am self-critical.\\ Total (Add up the numbers you haveplaced in the blanks.)