21 Tips How to Overcome Fear of Taking Risks in Life

Taking risks in life can be totally scary, am I right? We’ve all been there.

The fear of failure, coming up short, or making some sort of mistake often stops us from stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things we dream about, like trying out for the talent show, starting a YouTube channel, or asking out that cute classmate. 

But you know what? Risks are necessary for growth and achieving the life you’ve always wanted. This article will walk you through a handful of actionable tips so you can crush that fear of taking risks once and for all. 

If you apply and practice them consistently, then you’ll be free to pursue all the amazing opportunities that await you on the other side of your fears!

But before diving into how to overcome fear of taking risks in life, let’s first define what this fear is and its causes.

What is the fear of taking risks in life?

The fear of taking risks in life refers to risk aversion – the hesitation or reluctance to take chances, pursue new opportunities, or do things that involve unpredictability due to the possibility of negative or undesirable outcomes.

It is allowing the fear of failure, embarrassment, loss, or other potential downsides that come with risks to hold one back from taking action toward goals and personal growth opportunities.

The root cause tends to be an overemphasis on the worst-case scenario without properly weighing the potential benefits. It leads to playing it safe and avoiding change, uncertainty, and new challenges in ways that feel comfortable but prevent progress.

The discomfort of risk-taking is necessary for growth. As one builds experience taking chances, the fear begins to recede and boldness expands.

Why do many people avoid taking risks? 

There are several common reasons why people fear taking risks in life:

1. Fear of failure – Many people are held back by a fear of trying something new and falling short of success. Failure can damage self-esteem and bring embarrassment or shame.

2. Fear of the unknown – Stepping outside one’s comfort zone into unfamiliar territory can provoke anxiety for many. The inherent uncertainty around how a risk or change will turn out induces discomfort.

3. Fear of losing security – Risk-taking often necessitates leaving safe, stable circumstances like a job, relationship, or living situation. The prospect of exchanging security for uncertainty feels dangerous.

4. Perfectionism – For some, the possibility of making mistakes or being viewed as flawed or incompetent keeps them paralyzed from taking risks.

5. Risk/loss aversion – There is greater psychological pain associated with losing than the pleasure of gaining something of equal value. Potential losses loom larger than potential gains.

Fear of taking risks in life equates to a strong drive to avoid potential harm or undesirable outcomes, even if that means missing out on opportunities for growth.

Now, how can you overcome this fear of risk?

How to overcome fear of taking risks in life

Taking risks can lead to tremendous growth, but fear often holds us back from stepping outside our comfort zone. 

The following are some practical strategies on how to overcome fear of taking risks in life and embrace opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Acknowledge your fear.

Fear warns us of danger, but sometimes it stops us from pursuing new opportunities. Recognizing our fear is the first step to managing it.

As we identify our specific worries about the potential downsides of risk-taking, we can address each one logically and strategically. Simply shining a light on what scares us makes it far less intimidating.

• Recognize and accept the presence of fear.
• Understand that fear is a natural response to the unknown.
• Acknowledging fear allows you to confront it head-on.
• Avoiding or denying fear only strengthens its hold on you.

Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.

Every risk carries the possibility of failure, but the challenges we encounter when trying new things ultimately strengthen and equip us for future success. 

Rather than viewing them as threats, reframe them as invaluable learning experiences that force us to develop skills. The harder the challenge, the more growth and wisdom we stand to gain.

• View challenges as chances to learn and improve.
• Shift your perspective from obstacles to stepping stones.
• Embrace difficulties as pathways to personal development.
• Cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability.

Start with small risks.

Jumping into high-stakes risks can heighten fear and anxiety. Starting with smaller risks we can tolerate gives us reference experiences from which to draw confidence. 

As we take incremental risks, we realize we can handle more challenges and uncertainty than we thought. We can gradually scale up risk-taking as skills and self-assurance grow.

• Begin by taking manageable steps outside your comfort zone.
• Gradually increase the level of risk as you build confidence.
• Small victories build momentum for tackling larger challenges.
• Focus on progress rather than immediate success.

Focus on the potential rewards.

It’s easy to fixate on everything that could go wrong when taking a risk. Counteract this by clearly defining the positive outcomes that would come from overcoming the challenge ahead. Keep those rewards as the main focus, not the fear itself.

The excitement of what we stand to gain is more compelling than anxiety over what we could lose.

• Identify the potential benefits of taking risks.
• Visualize the positive outcomes that may result from action.
• Remind yourself of the personal growth and fulfillment that await.
• Keep the rewards in mind as motivation to push through fear.

Visualize successful outcomes.

Picturing ourselves achieving our goals powerfully offsets fear. Vividly imagine the process of overcoming each challenge on the path to success.

Envision the sense of accomplishment, growth, joy, and pride we’ll feel when we prevail despite the risks and obstacles involved. This implants courage, conviction, and motivation in our subconscious mind.

• Picture yourself overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
• Use visualization techniques to mentally prepare for challenges.
• Visualizing success enhances confidence and reduces anxiety.
• Create a clear image of your desired outcomes to stay focused.

Learn from failure without dwelling on it.

Risk-taking inevitably brings some failures, but the lessons they provide are invaluable if we take them to heart. When we stumble, analyze what went wrong objectively but avoid self-criticism.

Figure out what needs to change and use the experience to strengthen strategy moving forward. As long we get back up and apply what we’ve learned, nothing is ever truly a “failure.”

• Embrace failure as a valuable learning opportunity.
• Analyze mistakes to understand what went wrong and how to improve.
• Avoid dwelling on past failures; instead, use them as stepping stones.
• Shift your focus from the setback to the lessons gained.

Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positivity.

Fear often exaggerates all the things that could go wrong when taking risks. Combat pessimism with positive facts and affirmations.

When nerves strike, remind yourself of relevant past successes, strengths, and capabilities you have to tackle this challenge. Shut down detrimental self-talk and replace it with encouragement to build confidence.

• Challenge irrational or pessimistic thoughts with evidence-based reasoning.
• Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and encouragement.
• Cultivate a mindset of optimism and self-belief.
• Practice cognitive reframing to rewire your thinking patterns.

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Taking risks pushes us outside our comfort zones and makes us vulnerable. Having encouraging people in our corner bolsters our confidence to move forward despite fear.

Their belief in our abilities provides a safety net in case we stumble. We also gain motivation and inspiration from watching supportive friends and mentors take risks and actualize their own dreams.

• Seek out friends, family, or mentors who encourage and uplift you.
• Surrounding yourself with positive influences fosters resilience.
• Lean on your support network during times of uncertainty.
• Avoid individuals who undermine your confidence or fuel fear.

Break free from perfectionism.

The expectation that we must do everything flawlessly and avoid mistakes at all costs is paralyzing. It’s impossible to take risks and try new things without sometimes failing or falling short of perfection.

Give yourself permission to be a work in progress, get back up, learn, and improve. Progress requires a tolerance for imperfection along the way.

• Accept that perfection is unattainable and unrealistic.
• Embrace imperfection as a natural part of the learning process.
• Focus on progress and growth rather than flawless execution.
• Set achievable goals and celebrate incremental successes.

Regularly challenge yourself to try new things.

Making small leaps outside our routines builds risk-taking “muscles” just like regular exercise builds physical strength.

Look for daily opportunities to challenge yourself such as talking to new people, taking a different route somewhere, researching an unfamiliar topic, or signing up for a class outside your skillset. These small risks accumulate to courage and capability over time.

• Step out of your comfort zone on a consistent basis.
• Embrace novelty and variety to expand your comfort zone.
• Push yourself to explore unfamiliar experiences and opportunities.
• Cultivate a sense of adventure and curiosity in daily life.

Develop an attitude of gratitude to shift focus from fear to abundance.

When we fixate on the slim likelihood something could go terribly wrong, fear metastasizes. Flipping that narrative by identifying all we have to be grateful for recenters us.

Count blessings like health, family, friends, talents, freedoms, and past successes. This shift from lack to abundance helps us feel emboldened rather than afraid to take risks.

• Cultivate gratitude by focusing on what you have rather than what you lack.
• Acknowledge the blessings and opportunities in your life.
• Gratitude diminishes fear by shifting your focus to abundance.
• Practice gratitude daily through reflection or journaling.

Set realistic expectations and goals.

Unrealistic standards set us up for frustration and distress rather than sustainable success. Define what “good enough” looks like for each goal so perfectionism and fear of coming up short don’t hold you back from trying.

Remember that growth happens incrementally, not overnight. Small wins should be celebrated. Maintain reasonable expectations and be your own cheerleader.

• Set goals that are challenging yet attainable.
• Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Avoid setting unrealistic standards that breed anxiety and self-doubt.
• Celebrate progress and adjust goals as needed.

Establish and follow a set of guiding principles and values.

Connecting each risk or leap of faith to our core values makes it feel less scary and more purposeful. Define what really matters like helping others, creativity, truth, integrity, spirituality, justice, etc.

When opportunities align with those north stars, it feels right to pursue them despite discomfort. Our principles ground and steady us through uncertain terrain.

• Define your core values and beliefs to guide decision-making.
• Align your actions with your values to cultivate authenticity.
• Establishing principles provides a framework for navigating uncertainty.
• Consistently living by your values builds confidence and resilience.

Engage in activities that boost confidence.

Fear recedes when our self-assurance grows. Seek out experiences that make you feel powerful, capable, and in command like public speaking training, martial arts, volunteering as a leader, or completing outdoor adventure challenges.

Each small risk you confront successfully installs new core confidence for taking the next leap.

• Participate in activities that showcase your strengths and abilities.
• Set yourself up for success by engaging in activities you enjoy and excel at.
• Confidence grows through mastery and competence.
• Regularly challenge yourself to expand your skillset and capabilities.

Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Fear triggers our natural “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones that amplify anxiety. Actively calming those physiological reactions makes risks feel less daunting.

Try meditation, deep breathing, yoga, visualization exercises, and other techniques to induce relaxation amid fear. Grounding yourself in the present moment helps clear overwhelming emotions.

• Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to manage stress.
• Deep breathing exercises promote relaxation and calmness.
• Mindfulness reduces anxiety by grounding you in the present moment.
• Practice meditation or yoga to cultivate mental clarity and resilience.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

Any step forward outside one’s comfort zone is an accomplishment worth celebrating. We often dwell on failures and gloss over successes when taking risks.

Counteract this tendency by actively acknowledging each forward leap with positive self-talk and rewards. Recognize how far you have come and give yourself credit for the small wins that display burgeoning courage.

• Acknowledge and celebrate your progress and accomplishments.
• Celebrating milestones reinforces positive behavior and boosts morale.
• Recognize the effort and courage required to take risks.
• Reward yourself for stepping outside your comfort zone.

Take calculated risks based on research and intuition.

Blind leaps into the unknown heighten feelings of danger and incompetence. Feeling equipped with relevant knowledge and skills calms that distress.

Invest time researching unfamiliar terrain and listening to your intuitive wisdom before proceeding. This thoughtfully weighs benefits against the downsides of risky opportunities to make informed decisions.

• Evaluate potential risks and rewards before taking action.
• Gather information and consider potential outcomes.
• Trust your instincts and intuition when making decisions.
• Balancing analysis with intuition leads to informed risk-taking.

Imagine the worst-case scenario and plan for it.

Getting clear on the extent of what could go wrong if a risk doesn’t pan out is oddly comforting. It assures us that even if things get tough, it’s survivable.

Mentally preparing for worst-case outcomes reduces the likelihood they’ll catch us off guard. It also prompts us to proactively develop contingency plans which boosts confidence to take the leap.

• Consider potential obstacles and setbacks in advance.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks and minimize damage.
• Planning for the worst-case scenario reduces fear and uncertainty.
• Preparing for adversity increases resilience and preparedness.

Remember that growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Venturing into unfamiliar territory full of new challenges catalyzes immense personal growth. By definition, real learning means reckoning with skills and scenarios we have not yet mastered which is uncomfortable.

Remember that the discomfort of being a beginner again quickly fades as competence increases. Leaning into that awkward growth stage is worth the rewards on the other side.

• Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth and development.
• Challenge yourself to step outside familiar routines and habits.
• Growth requires pushing past limitations and embracing new experiences.
• Embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

Remember that regret often stems from inaction, not action.

When we leave aspirations unfulfilled out of fear and avoidance, regret naturally follows. Knowing fears are what stand between the life we have and the one we envision for ourselves becomes a burdensome truth.

Taking action despite adversity leads to less regret than playing it safe. Even if we stumble along the way, forward motion aligns with purpose.

• Recognize that regrets often arise from missed opportunities.
• Take action to minimize future regrets and maximize fulfillment.
• Embrace the uncertainty of taking risks rather than regretting inaction.
• Regret serves as a reminder to seize opportunities and pursue growth.

Take action despite fear, one step at a time.

The thought of big leaps can seem paralyzing when still building risk-taking momentum. Forget big leaps; small steps forward have value. Challenge yourself to take one concrete action right now toward whatever intimidating goal lies ahead.

Start writing a single chapter of the book, call about the job, and commit to learning guitar for 2 minutes a day. Whatever it is, take that initial step, and keep doing it, consistently.

Chips at mountains one tiny move at a time.

• Break daunting tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Focus on taking the next right action rather than overwhelming yourself.
• Action diminishes fear and builds momentum towards your goals.
• Progress occurs through consistent action, even in the face of fear.

Conclusion

See, overcoming your fear of taking risks in life doesn’t have to be too tough. Feeling afraid when facing risks, changes or challenges is completely normal – but it doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks.

Once you understand where the fears come from and intentionally work to shift your mindset using the tips covered here for how to overcome fear of taking risks in life, you’ll feel equipped to take that leap.

Practicing courage takes time, so be patient with yourself. Start small, celebrate progress, embrace a supportive community, and lean into growth opportunities, even the scary ones.

Take the leap – growth and success await you! No more letting fear make decisions for you. You totally got this! Now get out there and start taking those important risks, one step at a time.