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The Fear of Diving into the Unknown
The biggest fear we have is the fear of the unknown. There’s also a saying, “The thing that you’re looking for is on the other side of fear.” What if we can be more like children and treat the unknown with curiosity? What if we were to remove ourselves from the experiences we’ve already lived into something we haven’t done before? It will allow us to gain new knowledge and experiences. More so than spending the rest of our life in an office cubicle.
The unknown is all around us. The problem is that we pretend to know things we don’t know. This way the adventure never begins. We love our routines and become irritated when something else “disrupts them.” It could be as simple as taking a new route to school or work, or more profound as searching for the meaning of life. I hope we live as forever students because there is so much to learn about our world and it will be impossible to understand it all in our lifetime.
Why are We Afraid?
I think we are afraid of being wrong. We have our preconceived notions and any new information that deviates from what we believe in can disrupt our whole life. We have a false sense of security. That everything will be as it is forever, yet we are constantly reminded that it is not. Things change all the time. When it comes to the unknown, it might be better to proactively search for it, or it will come for you as what you perceive to be a disruption. Ask the people who’ve been laid off. We might pretend it doesn’t exist and then something drastic happens. Rather than having the opportunity to change, we are now forced to.
We say that we can handle change, but when innovation occurs we receive the notion that “this is the way it has always been done.” Maybe others try to keep one foot in the known and one foot in the unknown. Yet, that doesn’t get the result that we need. We want to start a new company but enjoy the stability of a full-time job. So, we try to work on our projects after working on our job. Some might find success in this, but most will eventually abandon the project because doing both is just too much. A person can’t be an adult under his parent’s roof. A bird will never learn to fly unless it leaves the coziness of the nest.
The Freedom of the Unknown
The unknown creates a freedom that we would never know if we stick to what we do. This is why we should care little about the outcome and enjoy the journey. If we plan, then we obstruct the unknown from giving us gifts that go beyond our knowledge. We limit it to our very small point of view. It keeps us safe, but planning also provides limitations. Books and programs are helpful, but nothing replaces real experience. One cannot learn how to ride a bike without getting on the bike. If we are too afraid, the bicycle is going to collect dust and we will never get to feel the wind through our hair while going downhill.
The most fun part about the unknown is that once it’s known, you can kind of throw that away and go into the next adventure. This is how we learn. This is what our school experience represented for us. We would learn algebra, throw it away, and learn geometry the next year. Maybe these concepts are built on each other, but for the most part, once you know something, you don’t simply stay there. One can’t be satisfied with just learning algebra.
Nothing to Fear
I write this dealing with my fears, but also as a reminder that there is nothing to fear. We fear what we don’t understand, but understanding is another word for love. To love we must understand. We must also remember that all the things that are known were at one time unknown. It was the Wright brothers who took the risk of creating a plane so that you could vacation in the Bahamas. Our contributions don’t have to be grand. We don’t even need contributions. As long as we see and prioritize the new experience, we will live a wonderful life. Not a life in which we regret living when time is up.
Questions and Responses
Why is the unknown so scary for most people?
The unknown is scary because it represents uncertainty, and we tend to fear things we can’t predict or control. We often feel safer sticking to what we know because it gives us a sense of stability. The fear of being wrong or making mistakes keeps us from stepping outside of our comfort zones.
How can we approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear?
By embracing a mindset similar to that of children—filled with curiosity and openness. Children don’t fear the unknown because they’re constantly learning and exploring. If we can adopt that same attitude and view the unknown as an adventure rather than something to be avoided, we open ourselves up to new experiences, knowledge, and personal growth.
What happens when we avoid the unknown and stick to routines?
When we avoid the unknown, we limit our experiences and personal growth. Sticking to routines may feel safe, but it can also become monotonous and restrict us from discovering new opportunities. The unknown presents possibilities for innovation, creativity, and fulfillment that staying in our comfort zone can never provide.
Why do we pretend to know things we don’t?
We often pretend to know things we don’t because it gives us a sense of control. Admitting that we don’t know something can make us feel vulnerable, and many people fear looking incompetent or unsure. However, pretending to know everything prevents us from learning and exploring the full richness of life.
Why are people afraid of being wrong or facing change?
People fear being wrong because it challenges their sense of security. We often build our lives around certain beliefs or routines, and when something disrupts that, it can feel like the ground beneath us is shaking. But change is inevitable, and when we’re open to it, we’re better prepared for life’s unexpected shifts.
How can embracing the unknown lead to freedom?
Embracing the unknown brings a sense of freedom because it allows us to break free from limiting beliefs and rigid expectations. When we stop trying to control every outcome and open ourselves to new experiences, we let go of fear and discover new possibilities we never imagined. It’s less about the destination and more about enjoying the journey.
Why is planning sometimes limiting?
While planning can be helpful for organizing thoughts and goals, it can also limit us if we stick too rigidly to it. Planning creates expectations based on what we already know, but the unknown can present opportunities far beyond what we imagine. Overplanning can prevent us from being open to surprises, flexibility, and spontaneous growth.
What’s the benefit of learning through experience rather than just reading or planning?
Real experience is irreplaceable. Books and plans can only teach us so much. Like learning to ride a bike, you can read about it all you want, but until you actually get on the bike and try it yourself, you won’t truly learn. The same goes for life—experiencing the unknown firsthand helps us grow in ways that no amount of preparation can offer.
How can we handle the fear of stepping into the unknown?
Start by acknowledging that fear is natural but doesn’t have to hold you back. Remind yourself that all the things we now know and enjoy were once unknown. By taking small steps into unfamiliar territory and focusing on the learning process rather than the outcome, you can gradually build confidence and reduce fear.
What does it mean that “there is nothing to fear”?
It means that once we understand something, it loses its power to scare us. The unknown is only frightening because we don’t yet understand it. As we explore and gain new knowledge, the fear dissolves. And with that understanding often comes growth, love, and new opportunities for joy and fulfillment. There’s really nothing to fear but the limits we place on ourselves by avoiding the unknown.