Why fear of failure is holding Pakistan’s youth back?

ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP):Fear of failure has become a major obstacle for many young people in Pakistan. Whether in education, careers or personal life, many believe that one wrong decision or a poor exam result will determine their entire future. This mindset creates stress, lowers self-confidence and makes it difficult to stay motivated. Instead of viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn, many see them as proof that they are incapable.

Experts have long warned about the consequences of unrealistic expectations. Dr. Zainab, a psychiatrist practicing in Islamabad, talking to APP  said, “When young people are taught that their value rests solely on success, failure becomes terrifying, not educational.” He said that when fear of failure becomes overwhelming, it can contribute to anxiety, depression and emotional distress, making timely psychological support essential.

Dr. Kazmi, a Clinical Psychologist, in response to an APP query explained, “Societies that stigmatize failure often discourage young people from taking healthy risks, trying new opportunities and developing creative thinking. According to her, viewing failure as a learning experience instead of a personal defeat is essential for building resilience and emotional well-being.”

Many young people have experienced this firsthand. Samra Batool, a COMSATS University student living in a hostel, shared, “The fear of failing examinations often keeps me awake at night because delaying my degree is not an option. Studying away from my parents and native home is already expensive, and extending my education would place an additional financial burden on my family.” However, she believes that fear is not always negative. “A reasonable fear of failure creates a sense of responsibility and motivates us to work harder, as long as it does not damage our mental health.”

Employers, however, often value resilience over perfection. “Not everyone needs to have a perfect record. Those who have experienced setbacks and overcome them by learning and progressing are appreciated,” said the human resource manager of a prominent firm in Pakistan. His perspective highlights that adaptability and perseverance can be more valuable than an uninterrupted record of success.

Society also tends to judge individuals by their achievements, careers and financial status. As a result, many young people fear criticism, disappointment and embarrassment if they fail to meet these expectations.

Social media has intensified this pressure. Every day, young people are exposed to posts highlighting scholarships, promotions, successful businesses and outstanding exam results. These carefully curated success stories encourage unhealthy comparisons, making many believe that everyone else is succeeding while they are falling behind.

Fear of failure is not limited to academics alone. Many young people also experience it in career choices, job interviews, entrepreneurship, relationships and even social interactions. The pressure to “succeed early” in life makes them hesitant to take risks such as changing career paths, starting a business, or expressing themselves freely, as failure in any of these areas is often seen as permanent rather than temporary

Students, recent graduates and young job seekers are particularly vulnerable. Those preparing for MDCAT, engineering entrance tests and university admissions often face intense pressure. According to a study by the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), many Pakistani students experience significant stress and anxiety related to academic and career concerns. Mental health professionals also identify academic pressure as one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Pakistan, leading to psychological health issues.

Responsibility for this issue is shared by parents, educational institutions, society and the media. Parents may unintentionally increase pressure by demanding outstanding results or comparing their children with siblings, relatives or classmates. Educational institutions often prioritize grades over creativity, critical thinking and emotional well-being. Society frequently treats failure as a disgrace rather than an inevitable part of growth. Meanwhile, the media often celebrates success without acknowledging the struggles and setbacks behind it.

Pakistan has witnessed several tragic incidents linked to excessive academic pressure. In 2015, Abdul Basit, a final-year dental student at Hamdard University Karachi, became emotionally distressed after being denied permission to sit an examination because he arrived late. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on student stress and academic pressure. Similarly, in 2018, multiple student suicides following Intermediate examination results in Chitral highlighted the immense pressure students face to perform academically and socially.

Fear of failure has become a significant challenge for Pakistan’s youth, fuelled by academic pressure, family expectations, social judgment and unrealistic comparisons.Young people need to understand that failure does not define their worth; it prepares them for greater challenges and stronger successes. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow and move one step closer to a brighter destination.