Facing the Fear of Learning

B y : A r i a d e L i m a

The concept of fight or flight connects to the way the human brain reacts to fear. When you are in a state of fear, do you stand your ground, push through and fight, or do you run away? When we are young, we are less aware of possible dangers and negative outcomes of a situation but as we age this tends to change. Taking on a new learning experience can be scary and oftentimes we let our brain focus on all of the things that could result in failure or danger in an attempt at self preservation. Maybe you are considering learning to play the piano. When you think about it at first, the idea seems simple and exciting. It is when the “ what if” questions pop up that the uneasiness begins to set in.

What if you can ’t find time to take lessons? What if classes are too expensive? What if you are not good at it? What if people ask you to play for them and you aren ’t good?

Before you know it, you're in that horrible nightmare where you're on a stage in front of a theatre full of people, you can ’t play your instrument, and somehow you have forgotten your pants. Meanwhile, you haven ’t even taken a single step towards even trying. Now you have scared yourself and put yourself in a state of fight or flight. You have created a space of doubt but the truth is the only way you will know is if you try.

While there are so many different strategies to overcoming the fear of learning something new, here are some of the ones that often work for me.

START SMALL

Break the task down into smaller, more manageable pieces. In the case of learning a new instrument, start by getting online and seeing what kinds of classes are available to you. Once you ’ ve done that, try signing up for just one class and see how that goes. Creating smaller steps helps make the overall task seem less daunting. Addressing each step, one at a time, will allow you to accomplish little goals instead of focusing on the long journey to accomplishing the major goal.

THINK ABOUT WHAT COULD GO RIGHT

It is really easy to let your brain go straight to focusing on what could go wrong. It can be kind of instinctual in order to try and prevent failure or danger. However, this only helps convince you why you shouldn ’t pursue the task. Instead, consider what could go right. For example, maybe you want to try a new sport.

What if the experience introduces you to new friends? What if exercise helps better your health? What if you love it? What if you learn you are actually amazing at it?

GIVE YOURSELF A REMINDER

The desire to learn something new often comes when you are looking for further self discovery or when it is a requirement in order to get to something else you want or need. This could be something like learning a new skill to fit a job requirement for your dream job. Regardless of the reason, in the moments where you feel discouraged, remind yourself why you are doing it to begin with. In some cases, you may realize that the reason you started to explore the new learning experience is not enough to cause you to continue. However, if it is truly meant to be, it will be motivation to keep you going and reach your goal.