When You’re Scared to Try Something New

Scared to Try Something New? You’re Braver Than You Think

Trying something new can feel really uncomfortable. Whether it’s auditioning for a school play, joining a new club, speaking up in class, or starting a new hobby, it’s normal to feel nervous. Thoughts like “What if I fail?” or “What if people judge me?” might swirl around your head and make you want to back out.

But here’s something important to remember: you don’t have to feel totally confident to try something new. You just have to be willing to be kind to yourself as you do it.

The fear of the unknown is part of being human. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, so stepping into unfamiliar situations often triggers fear—even if that situation isn’t dangerous at all. That’s where self-compassion comes in.

Self-compassion is like having an inner best friend. It helps you stay calm and grounded when things feel scary or uncertain. Instead of judging yourself for being nervous, self-compassion allows you to say, “It’s okay to be scared. I’m doing something brave.”

Here are some self-compassion tools to help when you're trying something new:

1. Talk to yourself kindly
When fear shows up, notice how you’re speaking to yourself. Are you being harsh or critical? Try saying something more supportive like, “I might mess up, and that’s okay. I’m proud of myself for even trying.”

2. Accept discomfort as part of growth
Doing new things often feels awkward at first. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re growing. Every expert, performer, and leader you admire once stood exactly where you are: uncertain and unsure.

3. Focus on learning, not perfection
You don’t have to be amazing right away. Give yourself permission to be a beginner. Every time you try, you're learning and building confidence—even if the result isn’t perfect.

4. Remind yourself you’re not alone
Everyone feels nervous when trying something for the first time. If you stumble, you’re not the only one. You’re part of a big group of humans figuring things out as they go.

5. Celebrate courage, not just outcomes
Even if it doesn’t go the way you hoped, the fact that you tried is a win. Be proud of yourself for showing up—that takes real strength.

Trying new things will always involve a bit of fear. But when you meet that fear with kindness, it becomes a little easier to move forward. You don’t have to be fearless—you just have to be compassionate with yourself as you take the leap.