Say “Yes” to 3-I Invitations. Life is meant to be an adventure — a call to play, experiment, and explore. Yet, so often, fear of failure keeps us rooted in the status quo, holding us back from what could be.

The Fear of Failure is one of the most common restraints that holds people back from pursuing great ideas. Imagine if we could become totally free from the fear of failure. Imagine what we could then manifest and create. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who can share stories and insights from their experience about “Becoming Free From the Fear of Failure.” As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Gina Maier Vincent.

Gina Maier Vincent is a visionary thought leader, master motivator, inspirational speaker, author, podcaster, TV host, and empowerment entrepreneur with a vivacious love for inspiring positive change in others. She guides people around the world to design and claim the future they desire and live Exquisitely Aligned.

Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about Exquisitely Aligned, which is my business! I offer success-oriented high-achievers a one-on-one empowerment concierge service with actionable change that helps people use their Divine Resources of time, money, and energy in the most effective way for them to live life on purpose.

If I hadn’t lived through my husband Mark’s health crisis alongside him, I might never have learned or appreciated the power of truly claiming what we desire. I’ve always been a go-getter, and I was already designing our ideal life before he got sick, but I was doing it in a more abstract, ephemeral way. I knew what I wanted and thought, “I’ll definitely have that someday;” however, at the same time, part of me felt like I needed to accept that we probably wouldn’t get everything I envisioned for us.

We had so much already. How could I justify asking for more? It wasn’t until our whole future was in jeopardy that I learned there is a world of difference between dreaming about a great life and making a deliberate choice to have it. Then, I realized that if I was feeling this way, others must be too. So, after I was able to attain the life I really wanted successfully, I wanted to help others do what I had done. I jumped into action to create a 6-month personalized program using the strategy that I discovered to allow people to live their dream lives, and have dedicated my career to sharing that knowledge with others.

Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘take aways’ you learned from that?

A couple of years ago, my publicist challenged me to start writing articles to expand my online presence — a big step outside my comfort zone since I’m much more comfortable wearing a mic and speaking in public. But I felt a “3-I Invitation”: intrigued, interested, and intimidated. So, I decided to go for it.

To my surprise, I had a lot to say. I pitched two years’ worth of monthly articles to Greet Coto magazine in Orange County, California, and they loved it, inviting me to become a regular contributor. Shortly after, my friend Cynthia introduced me to Kym, the owner of two other high-end magazines, who welcomed me as a contributor too.

This exposure opened doors. Cheryl, an avid reader, reached out, connecting me with like-minded locals, which led to a podcast swap. She even gifted me a book by Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha, where I read about how he helped entrepreneur David Meltzer. I began practicing calligraphy from the book and felt an unexpected pull.

Over lunch with Kym, I expressed my desire to find a local charity. She introduced me to the director of one called Miracles for Kids, and when I attended their event, I crossed paths with Tracy Keyser, a PR genius who I’m now working with. And then, in a full-circle moment, Tracy introduced me to David Meltzer himself, leading to an invitation to share my story on his show!

The takeaway? When you feel a nudge, say “yes” — you never know what exquisite alignment awaits. What is possible when you say “yes”?

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

As a New Yorker, I move fast and get things done. My designer and PR team often compliment me on my ability to turn things around faster than expected, which I genuinely appreciate. I’ve learned over time to channel this energy into taking immediate action and transforming ideas into reality. This momentum allows me to take calculated risks and adapt swiftly to changes — being proactive is key.

Next is insightfulness and a sense of connectedness. Clients often tell me they’re impressed by my ability to see the bigger picture and understand the purpose behind events. One version of this life skill or “Exquisite Gems” as I call them in my book that will be released in early 2025, is “Gain Clarity with a Bird’s Eye View”. This skill helps my clients make decisions that align with their long-term vision and more profound sense of meaning, which is invaluable for lasting growth and relationship-building.

According to the Gallup Strengths Finder, I’m also charismatic, or as they call it, high in “Woo”. I’ve never met a stranger. I’m passionate about people and what motivates them. I love creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients can open up about their deepest desires and fears. I’m continually amazed at how quickly people feel comfortable sharing with me the things they’ve never said out loud.

I’m truly grateful for these strengths and love helping my clients recognize their own top five strengths. I believe that’s where we live exquisitely aligned — by embracing our true potential; we set the stage for a life that’s entirely ours.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of this interview. We would like to explore and flesh out the concept of becoming free from failure. Let’s zoom in a bit. From your experience, why exactly are people so afraid of failure? Why is failure so frightening to us?

One word: judgment. We’ve all felt the sting of judgment, whether from authority figures, friends, or even family. That sting can make expressing our truest desires feel risky, often pushing us to hide parts of ourselves or conform to others’ expectations. Here’s the truth: judgment is always rooted in fear or jealousy — and neither one is actually about you.

The real difference between those who create their own definition of success and those stuck in the Conformity Trap is the courage to embrace the discomfort of change. Moving from the known to the unknown takes courage, especially when it means stepping out of the one-size-fits-all paradigm.

When you start living on your own terms, you begin to turn dreams into reality, share your unique gifts, and say no to anything that doesn’t align with your vision. Some will cheer you on, and others may resist or criticize — but remember, their judgment only reflects their fears, not your worth.

Imagine living in a space free from judgment, where every decision is honored and celebrated. Life becomes lighter and more joyful when you let go of opinions that no longer serve you. So, free yourself from the weight of judgment and watch as failure loses its sting, replaced by the courage to live an exquisitely aligned life.

What are the downsides of being afraid of failure? How can it limit people?

Fear can be paralyzing, keeping us from the richness of our experiences and the potential to make a meaningful impact on ourselves, others, and perhaps even the world. Fear — of failure, judgment, or success itself — can restrict us from becoming who we’re truly meant to be.

In the realm of quantum physics, fear is known to operate at a lower vibration, one that has tangible effects on our well-being. Studies show it can disrupt our physical health, creating a state of dis-ease, while higher vibrations, like joy and purpose, help sustain health and vitality.

Without purpose and passion, many of us can feel lost or unfulfilled, which can lead to unhealthy patterns. For some, it might start with an energy drink for a quick boost and end with over-reliance on substances. I’ve spoken to countless high achievers on my TV show called Exquisitely Aligned with Gina Maier Vincent. So many have been caught in the Conformity Trap, avoiding the risk of failure to sidestep judgment. Yet, by facing fear, we free ourselves to pursue the life we’re truly passionate about — one that is both healthy and exquisitely aligned.

In contrast, can you help articulate a few ways how becoming free from the free of failure can help improve our lives?

What if we looked at failure not as a setback but as an invitation to explore, play, and experience life with childlike wonder? Shifting our mindset in this way opens us up to the powerful “3-I Invitations” — moments that are interesting, intriguing, and yes, even intimidating. These are the invitations that nudge us toward self-discovery and our greatest version of self, signaling that we’re on the edge of something transformative.

This approach unlocks incredible benefits, such as:

• Increase Confidence: Every step we take, regardless of the outcome, strengthens our belief in our ability to grow and evolve.
• Greater Purpose: By following our curiosity, we deepen our connection to our “why,” aligning our path with what truly matters.
• Reduce Stress: Replacing fear with exploration helps ease anxiety, making space for creativity and resilience.
• Inspire Courage in Others: Our choice to embrace the unknown encourages those around us to face their own fears and step into possibility.

This mindset shift frees us to experience life’s adventures fully, creating a world where empowerment, joy, and resilience come naturally.

We would love to hear your story about your experience dealing with failure. Would you be able to share a story about that with us?

In my twenties, I prioritized my career over my relationship and accepted a job transfer from New York City to Charlotte, NC. The transition was exciting — sunny, affordable, and an upgrade from my illegal basement apartment back home. But the job? Not what I expected. My new boss was miserable, and it soon became clear that she was making everyone’s life difficult. I had to ask for a transfer just to escape her toxic energy.

Meanwhile, a friend set me up with a guy, someone I wasn’t really looking for, but who felt steady and grounded. He wasn’t my usual type, but he was the kind of guy who seemed to check all the right boxes. He was good to me, and I loved him. We both wanted the same things — marriage, a family, the whole package. It felt like I was living out my “checklist” life.

Soon, I started to realize something wasn’t right. I was settling, and I knew it. The wedding planning was stressful, my energy was drained, and I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror without feeling disconnected from the woman I wanted to be.

Three months before the wedding, I asked him how sure he was about marrying me. His answer? “80 percent.” My heart sank. I knew at that moment that “80 percent” wasn’t enough for a lifetime. So, I called it off.

In this instance, what I initially saw as a failure — not getting married to check off an item on my list — was the best decision I ever made. It pushed me to elevate my choices to fulfill my long-term dreams rather than simply ticking off a short-term checklist.

How did you rebound and recover after that? What did you learn from this whole episode? What advice would you give to others based on that story?

It was devastating. The plans, the money, the heartbreak…but I could look at myself in the mirror again, which was the sign I needed to know I’d made the right choice. I had been forcing myself into a life that wasn’t mine, and I realized that “fine” wasn’t enough. Life wasn’t meant to be just okay — it was meant to be extraordinary.

I realized, in the aftermath of this choice, that I had pigeonholed myself into a life I didn’t love without even realizing it. Marriage, home, and children were major life goals for me, and I wanted those things enough to try to make them work with the wrong person. Don’t misunderstand me: I’m sure he and I would have had a nice life together. He was a great guy. He would never have hurt me or cheated on me. I know he would have been a great dad to any kids we had. It would have been fine.

Although, is “fine” actually enough to make life worth living?

I never considered myself someone who bowed to convention. I’d always been independent, fierce, and assertive. Yet somehow, the “norms” of society and my Catholic upbringing had gotten under my skin. I was the right age to get married. It was the right time. I was in the right place. On the surface, I was being handed every ingredient for an ideal life — and a big part of me felt guilty for not just … rolling with it.

Now, I help others create an exquisitely aligned life. One that is a dynamic journey, not a static goal. My advice is to continuously peel back layers, explore new facets of yourself, and align with your ever-unfolding truths. In this energetic shift toward transformation, you will learn to acknowledge, appreciate, and listen to your inner essence, responding to its messages and teachings. When you powerfully identify and honor your soul-level truths, your magnificent future will become inevitable.

Fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview. In your opinion, what are 5 steps that everyone can take to become free from the fear of failure”? Please share a story or an example for each.

The idea of failure begins at a young age. Our children are being tutored to keep from “failure”. Society focuses on what we need to improve upon instead of what our innate gifts, strengths, and talents are. That’s the main issue. It’s time to shift the mindset, encourage and allow ourselves (and others) to explore, experience, and play in child-like wonder with our gifts. Here’s what I’ve found that works.

1 . Free Yourself from Judgment.

The Conformity Trap is a quiet prison built from others’ judgments and expectations. It convinces us to let the “shoulds” of family, community, and culture override our own intuitive wisdom. When we buy into this, we fall into the belief that only certain paths or achievements are “safe” or “worthy” — and often, fear of failure keeps us stuck in this illusion.

One day, walking with my husband, Mark, in Dana Point Harbor, we encountered a stunning superyacht named Water Lilly. To me, it was a masterpiece, a floating symbol of human creativity and courage. Mark, however, saw only impracticality and excess. We were both right, but while no one truly “needs” a superyacht, daring to create or desire something extraordinary is not about practicality — it’s about breaking out of self-imposed limits and fears.

The Water Lilly became a metaphor for our own “superyacht” dreams, the ones that can feel intimidating or “too much.” Pursuing them means facing the fear of failure, a fear that often keeps us from daring to dream. By embracing these ambitions, we free ourselves from the judgment of what’s “realistic” and instead lean into a life of creative potential and fulfillment that goes beyond mere survival. Will you let go of judgment and the fear of failure to invite your biggest dreams into reality?

2 . Stop Playing the One-Size-Fits-All Game.

One of my clients, Julie, came to me feeling trapped in a cycle of perceived failure. She felt disconnected, unsure of her path, and wondered if her life would ever hold the purpose and meaning she craved.

Julie had been working as a marketing writer for a large company, and while she was well-compensated, she felt her work lacked integrity. She described it as ‘selling snake oil.’ The allure of her paycheck and the shiny objects it bought were quickly wearing off, leaving her world feeling hollow.

She’d toyed with the idea of starting her own marketing and communications business, but with each attempt, she struggled. She had invested tens of thousands of dollars in coaching and mentorships, yet instead of gaining clarity, she found herself more confused than before. She was flooded with advice that felt contradictory, pulling her further from her personal truths. Her self-trust and intuition, once reliable, were buried under all the conflicting directions she’d been pushed toward.

Together, we reframed Julie’s view of failure. She came to understand that failure wasn’t a verdict but rather a guide, steering her closer to what she truly desired.

3. Stop Crowdsourcing Your Confidence.

When you stop looking to others for validation and start owning your unique truths, desires, and gifts, you step into your true authority. This means making choices based on your inner compass, freeing yourself from both external judgment and the fear of failure.

What does this look like? It means consulting yourself first, trusting your inner knowing, and believing you can navigate setbacks. Every day, you’re invited to stay true to your higher self, even when there’s a chance of stumbling — that’s where transformation and self-discovery thrive.

Take Julie, for example. She’d spent thousands on programs that pushed a “proven” formula but left her disconnected from her own gifts. When we started working together, we focused on realignment, filtering out the noise, and letting her define what truly felt right. Now, Julie is writing her first romance novel and building a wedding content business that combines her love for storytelling and social media with her passion for people. She’s on a path that’s meaningful and uniquely hers, with fear as a companion but not the driver.

When you trust yourself to pave your own way, fear becomes part of the journey and is no longer the driver. Will you choose to lean into your own authority, despite the fear, and let your true gifts unfold?

4 . Live with Full Permission.

To step into the life you truly desire, you must first believe you’re worthy of it. That pull for “More”? That’s your soul calling for a deeper, more fulfilling life. Expressing this desire often feels risky, tangled with doubts and fears of seeming ungrateful.

Years ago, after my son was born, I opened up to a close friend. “I just… want more for my life,” I confided. “More than being a mother and a wife. More than what we have right now.” I expected understanding but instead got a stinging response: “You have it all — a beautiful home, a wonderful family, and you just returned from a vacation to Italy. Now you want more?” I felt a wave of guilt, questioning if I seemed ungrateful. I wasn’t asking for more things. I was longing for a fulfillment that ran deeper. Her judgment made me bury that desire, convinced that maybe I didn’t deserve more.

That moment started a journey to reclaim my worth. I learned that feeling unworthy of “More” is a universal experience, often passed down and reinforced by society. However, unworthiness is a barrier, not a life sentence. Breaking through it is essential to moving forward.

The life you dream of isn’t just possible — it’s your birthright. Will you allow yourself to embrace it, to believe you’re worthy of the “More” your soul craves?

5. Say “Yes” to 3-I Invitations.

Life is meant to be an adventure — a call to play, experiment, and explore. Yet, so often, fear of failure keeps us rooted in the status quo, holding us back from what could be.

For years, people told me I should start a podcast. Every time, I shrugged it off. I’d never even listened to one, so who was I to be behind the mic? Then, one day while in my new home in California, a close friend said it again: “You should have a podcast.” This time, something clicked. I felt a mix of interest, intrigue, and yes, a touch of intimidation — what I call the “3-I Invitation.”

It’s moments like these, when we feel those three “I’s,” that we’re on the edge of something extraordinary. It’s a signal that transformation, growth, and new possibilities are calling.

I took the leap. Now, two years in, I’m celebrating over 100 episodes, a journey that’s opened countless doors around the world. That initial discomfort, the fear of failing — it was all worth it. Growth comes from embracing those moments and daring to say yes. Take the leap. There’s enlightenment and evolution on the other side.

The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “It is possible to fail in many ways…while to succeed is possible only in one way.” Based on your experience, have you found this quote to be true? What do you think Aristotle really meant?

I wholeheartedly agree with Aristotle’s words — they’ve proven true time and time again. There are countless ways we can hold ourselves back: external and internal judgments, feelings of unworthiness, fear of success, fear of failure… the list goes on. These fears and doubts can trap us in a cycle of stagnation and missed opportunities which leave many feeling unhappy, unsatisfied, and unfulfilled.

I believe Aristotle’s true intent was to inspire us to take action — to step boldly into the unknown and embrace all the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s about moving past our fears, leaving judgment behind, and allowing ourselves to explore what could be, both individually and collectively. That’s where the magic happens.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I firmly believe that the greatest force for good on our planet today is the person who aligns exquisitely with their truths and values, and who lives authentically every day. The person who knows what they want and unashamedly, unrestrainedly pursues and invites it. The person who walks the path of their true desires — not the desires instilled in them by external authorities. The person who is in love with their life not because life is perfect, but because their life is beautifully, elegantly designed to be a match for who they are and what they’re here to do and create.

You become that kind of person when you embrace your “More” and align your life to your “More”.

Another way to say that is “a life where your heartfelt desires are prioritized and realized.” You already understand the need to break free of judgments, external authorities, expectations of conformity, and false identities.

It’s my dream to inspire a movement where people, all over the world, choose to live exquisitely aligned. I am here to help each and every one of them in any way I can!

We are blessed that some very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them 🙂

Without a doubt, Oprah. She’s been a long-time favorite of mine, and it would truly be an honor and privilege to meet, dine, and engage in a conversation with her. I find her life story incredibly uplifting — her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon is nothing short of inspiring. Her personality radiates warmth and authenticity, and her interview skills are unmatched.

I recently celebrated the 100th episode of my Exquisitely Aligned podcast and now have the Exquisitely Aligned TV show. Meeting someone of Oprah’s caliber would be a dream come true — connecting with someone who has paved the way for so many and whose influence continues to empower millions would be the pinnacle of my journey. Maybe Oprah would add my book to her must-read book club list! Check it out here: https://exquisitelyaligned.com/book/

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Connect with me and explore my work on Instagram @exquisitelyaligned, or visit my website at www.exquisitelyaligned.com. You can find me on LinkedIn as Gina Maier Vincent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamaiervincent. For insightful conversations and expert guidance, check out the Exquisitely Aligned TV show at Experts and Authors TV and Apple Podcasts. Plus, don’t miss my book, Exquisitely Aligned: A Pocket Guide to Your Magnificent Future, available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: Savio P. Clemente, TEDx speaker and Stage 3 cancer survivor, infuses transformative insights into every article. His journey battling cancer fuels a mission to empower survivors and industry leaders towards living a truly healthy, wealthy, and wise lifestyle. As a Board-Certified Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC, ACC), Savio guides readers to embrace self-discovery and rewrite narratives by loving their inner stranger, as outlined in his acclaimed TEDx talk: “7 Minutes to Wellness: How to Love Your Inner Stranger.” From his best-selling book to his impactful work as a media journalist covering resilience and wellness trends with notable celebrities and TV personalities, Savio’s words touch countless lives. His philosophy, “to know thyself is to heal thyself,” resonates in every piece.