One step to overcome the 3 fears that hold back learning
Want to grow? Then expect fear to show up. Taking a first step is the best way to control it.
Research shows we have three specific fears when it comes to learning something new:
Fear of Uncertainty: We’re wired to avoid the unknown. But here’s the thing—without uncertainty, there’s no room for growth. Growth requires the uncomfortable.
Fear of Looking Incompetent: No one likes to struggle and fail in public. But guess what? Every great learner was once a beginner. The trick isn’t to avoid looking bad, it’s to embrace it as part of the journey.
Fear of Wasted Effort: We worry our time won’t pay off. What if we try and don’t see results? But here’s the thing—every effort teaches us something. There’s no such thing as wasted.
How to overcome these fears? Just take one step forward.
Albert Bandura, the psychologist who pioneered research on self-efficacy (believing in your ability to successfully perform tasks and achieve goals in specific situations), found that having the courage to take a first step towards learning something new is one of the most effective ways to overcome fear and build confidence.
His research showed that when we take action, even in the face of uncertainty, it reinforces our belief in our ability to succeed, which reduces anxiety and increases motivation.
By taking small, initial steps, we stop seeing fears as obstacles but as indicators we are starting a new path of learning and growth.