Building the Confidence to Try: Helping Students Move Through Fear of Failure
Why fear of failure can keep students from trying
A student who avoids a difficult assignment, stays quiet in class, or says “I don’t care” may be trying to protect themselves from the possibility of getting it wrong. Fear of failure can grow from many experiences: repeated setbacks, pressure to meet expectations, worry about being judged, or feeling that mistakes prove they aren’t capable. For some students, the fear is also tied to anxiety, low confidence, or past experiences that have made school feel unsafe.
These responses can be frustrating or easy to misread. But when we look beneath the behavior, we can begin to understand what may be making it hard for a student to take a risk. Students need opportunities to feel capable, make mistakes without shame, and see that one setback doesn’t define what they can do.
Free webinar for educators.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 PM PT | 1:00 MT | 2:00 CT | 3:00 ET
Join other educators from around the country and participate in the discussion!
A conversation about helping students move forward
Join Christian Moore for an open conversation with educators about helping students move through fear of failure and build the confidence to try. Drawing on his own experiences, his work as a licensed clinical social worker, and his background in resilience, Christian will share examples and ideas educators can use to support students who feel stuck, discouraged, or afraid to get it wrong.
As the author of the best-selling book The Resilience Breakthrough and founder of the WhyTry program, Christian has spent years exploring how young people can find ways forward through difficult circumstances. Bring your questions and experiences to this open forum with fellow educators.
You’ll leave with fresh ways to think about what may be underneath students’ hesitation—and how to encourage them to take a next step, learn from setbacks, and keep going.
About Christian Moore
Christian Moore, LCSW, is an internationally recognized speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and author of The Resilience Breakthrough. As a child, Christian struggled with severe learning disabilities and significant challenges both at home and at school. His own journey from a struggling special education student to earning a master’s degree helped shape his life’s work: helping educators reach young people who may have stopped believing in themselves or in their future.
Christian is the founder of the WhyTry Program and has spent more than two decades working with educators and organizations to develop practical strategies for building student motivation, engagement, and resilience.
Join Us November 12th
Come spend part of your afternoon with Christian for a practical, encouraging conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing schools today:
Be part of the discussion!
💬 Know a colleague who’d benefit? Share the link—this is a conversation every educator should be part of.