Getting Over the Fear of Trying Something New

As the popular saying goes, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Trying something new can be both exciting and scary. Whether it’s starting a new job, picking up a hobby, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, that first step often feels like the hardest. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or even fear of judgment can hold us back from experiences that could lead to growth and joy.

Why Is It So Hard to Try Something New?

“The most common reason why it can feel so challenging trying new things is a fear of failure,” says Tyler Sanders, Clinic Manager at Centerstone. As humans, we crave certainty and tend to fear what is outside our control.

• Uncertainty is uncomfortable and humans are wired to want a sure thing.
• Failure can trigger self-judgment and feelings of inadequacy.
• Sometimes, we mentally raise the stakes so high that fear becomes overwhelming.

Does Fear Affect the Outcome?

In short, yes. Fear can either be helpful or harmful, depending on how we respond to it. Let’s take a look at the difference between healthy and unhealthy fear.

• Healthy Fear:
  • Helps us prepare, plan, and proceed with caution
  • Keeps us focused and intentional
• Unhealthy Fear:
  • Paralyzes us and stops us from starting
  • Can lead to overthinking, obsession with small details, and second-guessing ourselves

Example: Over-rehearsing for a speech may actually backfire. Instead of sounding genuine, you might end up sounding robotic instead. However, if you shift your fear into excitement, it can help you feel more energized and prepared to deliver your speech. Fear and excitement can feel very similar in our bodies, so reframing your thoughts can help transform your experience.

Why Is Overcoming Fear Important?

You can’t grow if you’re stuck. And, as author Tony Robbins once said, “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”  This quote challenges us to ask ourselves: ‘am I going to stay in the struggle I know, or embrace the discomfort of change and aim for something better?’

Fear tricks us into keeping our world small. But when we take small, intentional steps to challenge our comfort zone, our world gets bigger. Sanders adds, “all meaningful change happens when we expand our comfort zone.”

Practical Ways to Alleviate the Fear of Trying Something New

1. Normalize Failure
It’s okay to be bad at something when it’s new to you.

• Think of weightlifting as an example: You likely won’t be able to lift 100 pounds on the first day of your new workout routine.
• Remember, consistency leads to progress.
• Celebrate the small wins!

2. Align with Your Values
Frame your goals around your identity:

• Instead of “I’m going to work out,” try framing it as “I’m a person who prioritizes fitness.”
• Attaching change to your identity helps motivation stick.

3. Be Realistic About Limits
Boundaries aren’t flaws. Being realistic with yourself about your goals helps keep you on track.

4. Seek Support

• Share your goals with trusted people.
• If your fear is extreme, you may want to consider seeking professional support.
• Sometimes fear becomes so normalized we don’t recognize its impact which is why it’s important to let others know what you’re working toward. This helps create accountability and encouragement.

Trying something new doesn’t mean you have to be fearless, it just means being willing to take the first step. The more you practice pushing through discomfort, the more capable and confident you become. At Centerstone, we know this journey can be intimidating, which is why we’re here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step and start growing today.