Why the Fear of Not Trying Might Be Your Superpower
In episode #1197, George & Mary-Lynn share a simple idea: the fear of not trying can push you toward your goals. Click the player to listen now, or read the summary below.
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Fear. It’s that heavy feeling that makes us want to pull back and stay where it’s safe. You know the kind we’re talking about – fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of looking foolish, and the fear of success (which we talked about last time in Episode 1196.)
Let’s flip the script. Fear isn’t always the enemy. It’s because there’s another kind of fear. A stronger kind. It’s the fear of getting to the end of your life and asking: “What if I had tried?”
The Real Cost of Not Trying
The Fear of not trying isn’t your usual fear. This fear is rocket fuel for your journey to BIGG success. And if you learn how to use it, it will propel you toward the life you were meant to live.
In this episode we’ll explore:
- The real cost of not trying
- 2 fears you must choose between
- 4 ways to turn fear into action
- The mindset shift that changes everything
What’s the cost of not trying?
when you do a deep dive of this subject, you realize that the real cost isn’t failure; it’s inaction. Most people aren’t stuck because they’re incapable. They’re stuck because they’re comfortable.
Comfort is sneaky. It whispers:
- Now’s not the right time.”
- “You need more preparation.”
- “Play it safe.”
- “Don’t embarrass yourself.”
- “Just wait and see.”
And of course, inaction leads to lost opportunities and regret.
Fear Points to What Matters
But deep down, another voice speaks louder over time: “If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
That voice is the positive fear: the fear of not trying.
And here’s what’s important to know: Fear points to what matters. You don’t feel fear about things you don’t care about.
If starting that business scares you, it’s because it matters.
If having that conversation scares you, it’s because it matters.
If chasing that dream scares you, it’s because it matters.
The goal is NOT to eliminate fear. The goal is to ask: “What is this fear trying to teach me?”
The Two Fears You Must Choose Between
Every day, you’re choosing between two fears:
1) Fear of failing
2) Fear of not trying
One makes you want to pull back instead of stepping up. The other stretches you.
The fear of failing says: “What if it doesn’t work?”
The fear of not trying says: “What if it could have worked, but I never gave it a shot?”
Successful people don’t eliminate fear. They just choose the right one. Because the satisfaction of knowing you took a chance far outweighs the dread of possible failure.
4 Ways to Turn Fear into Action
Let’s make this practical. We’re going to share simple ways to use fear instead of being used by it. Here’s 4 ways to turn fear into action.
1. Define Your Regret Line
Ask yourself:
What will I regret more five years from now—trying and failing or never trying at all?
This perspective shifts your focus from short-term discomfort to long-term fulfillment.
2. Shrink the Risk, Not the Dream
Most people quit because the leap feels too big. So don’t leap.
Take the next step.
For example:
Instead of: “Start a business.” Try: “Talk to three potential customers this week.”
Instead of: “Write a book.” Try: “Write 300 words a day.”
Fear shrinks when action becomes specific.
3. Treat Fear Like a Yellow Light
Fear doesn’t have to stop you.
You don’t have to treat fear like a stop sign. Instead, use it as a signal to slow down and get clear.
Ask:
What’s the worst realistic outcome?
What would I do if that happened?
What would I learn?
Clarity replaces paralysis.
4. Build Courage Daily
Courage is more of a habit than a personality trait. If you want it to be there when it counts, you’ve got to practice using it every day.
- Have a difficult conversation.
- Take one visible action toward a goal.
- Make one commitment that stretches you.
Momentum builds confidence.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Let’s get personal for a moment. Imagine yourself 20 years from now. You’re looking back. What story do you want to tell?
“I played it safe.”
Or
“I gave it everything I had.”
The pain of failure is temporary. The pain of regret lingers.
The fear of not trying is actually love in disguise – love for your potential, love for your calling, love for the life you can build. And that’s a fear worth listening to.
BIGG Assignment
That brings us to this episode’s BIGG assignment from The Professor
Tonight, set a timer for 20 minutes.
Answer these three questions in writing:
1) What dream have I delayed because of fear?
2) What specifically am I afraid will happen?
3) What small action can I take in the next 7 days?
Then schedule that action. Not “someday.” This week.
Fear fades when action begins.
If you want deeper structure, map out your long-term direction and break it into clear milestones. That’s exactly what we walk you through inside the Life Map Course – turning fear into a forward strategy. Learn more.
BIGG Takeaway
You don’t need to be fearless. You need to fear the right thing.
Fear the unused talent.
Fear the dream that dies quietly because you waited too long.
Let that fear push you.
Let it sharpen you.
Let it move you.
Success doesn’t belong to the fearless.
It belongs to the ones who were scared…
…and moved ahead anyway. And that leads to BIGG success!
Next time we’ll talk about how to stop overthinking decisions. See how a structured approach will help you make every day decision-making simple. So you can reach BIGG success faster! Subscribe to your favorite podcast channel so you don’t miss it!
Here’s to your BIGG success!
George “The Professor” & Mary-Lynn
Co-Founders, BIGG Success
