The Fear of Starting Something

By Anna Nuuyoma

We’ve all been there. An amazing idea comes to mind — one that excites you, inspires you, and feels almost too good to ignore. But then reality sets in. The thought of actually starting can feel daunting. It’s not just the fear that it might fail. Sometimes it’s the even bigger fear that it might change everything in ways you’re not ready for. That fear can feel paralyzing.

The truth is, the fear of starting often isn’t about the idea itself. It’s about the unknown. “What if I’m not ready? What if people don’t support it? What if I make mistakes?” These are valid fears, but they’re also the same fears that keep dreams on paper and stop progress before it even begins. The only way to truly know is to take that uncomfortable step forward.

Here’s what I’ve learned — fear doesn’t go away before you start. It only gets quieter after you take action. And yes, things might not go exactly as planned. There will be challenges, setbacks, and days where you question everything. But there’s also growth, learning, and the chance to see your idea come alive. The fear of regret — of never trying at all — is far heavier to carry than the fear of failing.

If you have an idea, a dream, or a vision that keeps calling you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small if you have to. Take the first step. Your future self will thank you for trying, for showing up, and for proving to yourself that fear doesn’t get to make all the decisions. Regret is the cost of inaction. Don’t let it be part of your story.