The Fear of Striking Out

By Justin Osborne
Updated: March 25, 2021

The fear of striking out is a common sentiment in all of us, not just in baseball. Nobody likes to fail, but where would we be without failure? Nowhere. Most of the time, society progressed through trial-and-error. Think of all the scientists that tried and failed before reaching success.

Henry Ford, the great inventor of the Ford company, said that failure is just an opportunity to start again more wisely. Ford failed many businesses and reached bankruptcy, but his will to persevere rewarded him eventually. Even military leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower had their share of failures in their occupations, but they never gave up.

History teaches us that failure is part of progress. However, the most important thing is getting back up and trying again, perhaps in a slightly different manner. You can’t learn from your errors if you don’t make any.

“Only those who dare to fail deeply can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

People only have one life on this earth

An excellent way to overcome your fear of failure is to think that you only have one life. You’ll get a second chance tomorrow or after tomorrow, but don’t postpone it for too long. Sadly, not only do we have one life, but we don’t know when it’s going to end. Although it may seem a little bit grim, it’s one of the few certainties of our existence.

However, don’t look at it negatively, as it may give you anxiety. Instead, use it as motivation to go ahead with your plans; it’s all about perspective.

“Don’t be scared of death. Be frightened of an unlived life.” – Natalie Babbitt

Don’t be afraid of a steep learning curve

Nobody’s born learned; we all have to discover the intricate ways of life. Some professions are more complicated than others, but that shouldn’t deter you from trying. George Orwell didn’t become a famous essay writer in no time; just like Albert Einstein didn’t become the world’s most renowned theoretical physicist overnight. In fact, Einstein failed multiple classes in mathematics. Nonetheless, his passion helped him overcome his failures.

It’s essential to understand that there’s a learning curve in everything. It’s hard initially, but with patience and perseverance, things get easier – we acquire momentum. Think about the learning curve when you’re in doubt and consider it part of the process.

“It’s not that I’m the smartest; I think about issues for a longer time.” – Albert Einstein

Remember the times when you’ve succeeded

Another valuable way to erase the fear of striking out is to think about the times you’ve succeeded. Try to remember that rewarding feeling of going through trials and tribulations and finishing on top. If you’ve done it before, you can do it again. Sometimes, we even forget that we’re capable of achieving. Highlight your past victories on paper and try to remember the process that entailed. What was your mindset? How did you manage to defeat your fears? Transport yourself to that time and replicate the course of action.

Remember, even if you fail, you win. That’s because you’ve accomplished two things: you’ve mustered up the courage to try, and you’ve learned something along the way.

“Failures and repeated failures are fingerposts on the road to accomplishment. One always fails forward toward success.” – C. S. Lewis

Be inspired by other people’s accomplishments

There’s an old saying: “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.” There’s nothing more true. Not necessarily in the sense of your pals, but who you admire. The people that conquered their fears and went on to succeed aren’t that different from yourself. The only difference is in their mentality. They’ve trained themselves to get up as soon as they fall and try again. Look around you to see if anybody can be of inspiration to you, someone close. Try to befriend them and seek their advice. Very few people succeed on their own. Most of us need guidance before becoming self-sufficient.

“A friend sharpens a friend just like iron sharpens iron.” – King Solomon

Go for it, and you might open more than one door

The best thing about overcoming the fear of striking out is that there may be more than one opportunity that reveals itself. On the other hand, not trying is guaranteed to bring you nothing. How can you know what lies ahead if you don’t even want to take the first step?

“The doors of opportunity turn on the hinges of adversity!” – Adrian Rogers

The fear of striking out is the enemy of progress. It’s a natural human sentiment that we need to overcome to succeed. Whenever in doubt, think that we only have one life on this earth. Life’s too short to be afraid. Like in all things, there’s a learning curve that will put your perseverance to the test. Remember the times you conquered your fears and do it again. Lastly, surround yourself with inspiring people and seize the opportunity!

Justin Osborne is a writer at DoMyHomework.club, he loves to share his thoughts and opinions about education, writing and blogging with other people on different blogs and forums.