How to Overcome the Fear of Trying Something New

The one time I tried skiing ended up being less of a winter adventure and more of a frosty lesson in embarrassment. I didn’t just take the beginner class once—I took it twice. After the group was told they were ready to hit the slopes, the instructor turned to me with a sympathetic smile and said, “Not you. Let’s do one more round.”How to Overcome the Fear.

After the second go, everyone else was set free. Me? I was introduced to another instructor named Joe. “Joe’s great with people who need… a bit of extra support,” she explained kindly. For the next hour, I clung to the end of Joe’s ski pole while he glided backwards in front of me, offering encouragement like a ski-school therapist.

When he finally set me loose, I tumbled my way down the slope, eventually giving up, taking off my boots, and walking down the rest of the mountain in socks—while my friends howled with laughter and filmed my slow descent into defeat.

That evening, drying off by the fire while scrolling through those not-so-flattering photos on social media, I made a firm decision: skiing was not going to be my new passion. For the rest of the trip, I dedicated myself to hot tubs and cocktails—things I was already good at.

The Truth About Trying New Things: How to Overcome the Fear

Here’s what most people don’t say about stepping out of your comfort zone: it’s often awkward, uncomfortable, and even a little painful. While the idea of learning something new sounds exciting in theory, in reality, it’s a humbling experience. And honestly? No one enjoys feeling incompetent.

But the uncomfortable truth is this: if you want to grow, you’re going to suck at things first. Whether you’re picking up a new language, learning how to crochet, or testing your skills in a bowling league, the initial stage of any hobby or skill is filled with discomfort. That’s just how it works.

It’s Normal to Hate It at First: How to Overcome the Fear

Don’t expect to fall in love with every new thing from the start. In fact, science says we’re hardwired to resist unfamiliar experiences. According to Keith Rollag, a professor at Babson College and author of What to Do When You’re New, trying new things can actually trigger primal fear.

“Historically, doing unfamiliar things could be dangerous,” he says. “And our performance affects how others see us—which, for our ancestors, impacted their survival.”

Translation? Feeling anxious, embarrassed, or frustrated when trying something new isn’t a failure—it’s a built-in survival instinct. Our brains are trying to protect us from being judged or excluded. That early discomfort is part of the learning curve, not a red flag.

Nobody’s Watching as Closely as You Think: How to Overcome the Fear

Ever heard of the “spotlight effect”? It’s the psychological illusion that everyone is watching you, when in reality, most people are too busy thinking about themselves to care what you’re doing.

Rollag puts it simply: “When you’re on a ski slope, people aren’t scanning the hill to find beginners and laugh at them. They’re focused on their own ride.”

Think about it: when you’re out jogging and see someone struggling to run, do you stop and judge them? Probably not. Most of us are lost in our own worlds, and that applies to everyone around you, too.

So if you’re feeling self-conscious, remember: for others to truly witness your “embarrassing” moment, they’d have to notice it, care about it, and take action. That’s a lot of steps for someone to go out of their way to make fun of you—steps that most people simply won’t take.

Embrace the Awkward Stage:How to Overcome the Fear

The bottom line? Trying new things feels bad at first—but that’s normal. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re doing it right. Growth s.tarts in discomfort. Mastery comes from showing up again, and again, even when it feels ridiculous.

So go ahead—sign up for that class, mess up that first painting, fall on your face in the yoga studio. Nobody’s watching, and even if they are… they’re not the ones you’re doing it for.

Go In with the Right Mindset: How to Overcome the Fear

When people take on something new—whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or a creative skill—they usually show up with one of two mindsets. Some show up wanting to learn, while others walk in expecting to be great right away. It might seem like a small difference, but it completely changes the experience.

The first mindset sounds something like: “I have no idea what I’m doing yet, but I’m excited to figure it out—even if I mess up a lot along the way.” That kind of thinking leaves room for growth and makes the whole thing feel like a fun challenge.

The second mindset is more like: “I hope I’m naturally good at this and impress everyone.” And that one? It sets you up for frustration fast. Because chances are, you won’t be great right away. None of us are.

Now, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t have goals. It’s great to aim for something! Just try to set a goal that’s beginner-friendly. Say you want to get into long-distance running—sure, running a marathon in under four hours is a goal, but so is building endurance, getting healthier, or joining a running group and making friends. Those kinds of goals keep you motivated without making you feel like a failure in the early stages.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Coming in with a “learning” mindset doesn’t mean you should dive in without any prep. In fact, a bit of planning can make the first attempt feel less scary and more exciting.

According to behavior expert Keith Rollag, rehearsing or familiarizing yourself with something beforehand can actually trick your brain into feeling like you’ve already done it—at least a little. And when you reduce anxiety that way, you’re much more likely to enjoy the experience.

For example, if you want to try baking, don’t just grab a recipe and hope for the best. Watch a couple of YouTube tutorials first. Look up terms like “fold in” or “proof the dough” if they’re new to you. Thinking about giving golf a shot? Skim a beginner’s guide or check out some videos before you ever step onto a course. That small dose of preparation builds confidence, which makes it easier to stick with the new hobby—even when it doesn’t go perfectly.

I Wish I’d Taken That Advice…

Looking back on my first skiing attempt, I realize how unprepared I was. I honestly thought skiing meant sliding in a straight line down a snowy hill. I had no clue people actually turned—on purpose!—to stay in control.

Would knowing that beforehand have saved me from my downhill disaster and the whole awkward Joe-the-instructor situation? Probably not. But it might have helped me recover faster, maybe even motivated me to give it another shot the next day.

Hot tubs and drinks were a great consolation prize—but there’s a different kind of satisfaction that comes from pushing through the awkward part and seeing yourself improve. That feeling? It’s worth stumbling a few times to get there.