Have you ever hesitated to try something new because you thought it was like signing up for a never-ending streaming service with no "cancel" button? Well, join the club in this binge-watching, commitment-fearing world!

During a recent lunch, my friend (we’ll call him Paul) had a profound revelation. We had been talking about the paralyzing hesitation we all have to start new things because of the stigma we apply to quitting anything once we start it. Paul shared that for years, he had wanted to try podcasting but couldn't shake his uncertainty and fear. It turns out his apprehension had nothing to do with podcasting at all – it was rooted in a childhood experience with the violin.

As a child, Paul wanted to learn to play the violin. His parents supported him with lessons and even a rent-to-own violin. However, despite being talented, Paul realized he just didn't enjoy playing the violin. His father had told him (with the best of intentions) that quitting would be foolish – he had so much time invested, and he was amazing at it after all!

So Paul begrudgingly continued to play and even compete through high school. After graduation, he never touched the violin again. This experience made him feel he’d failed his parents, particularly his father. This unexpected connection to the past had been holding him back from pursuing his podcasting dream, although it had nothing to do with it. He felt if he started something important, he needed to not only succeed, but succeed for a lifetime.

As lunch continued, Paul entertained the idea that he should go ahead and try podcasting; what was there to lose? At a minimum, he’d learn new things and have a few inspiring and educational interviews with interesting people. At best (dare he imagine), it could be a raging success and a new way for him to share his expertise and help others. Paul ended lunch, fired up and motivated to get started.

Somewhere, we've picked up the idea that quitting is a cardinal sin. It's as if life has become a never-ending series, and once you start an episode, you're condemned to hash your way through to the end, even if it's a dud from the start.

But the truth is, nothing ventured, nothing gained. When you find yourself hesitating to try something new, ask yourself these questions:

1. Have I Overcome Similar Fears Before? Reflect on past experiences where you faced fear and overcame it. Reminding yourself of your resilience can boost your confidence.

2. What Am I Afraid Of? Identifying the specific fear at the root of your hesitation can help you better understand and address it. Is it fear of failure, rejection, the unknown, or something else?

3. What's Really Holding Me Back? Examine whether external factors, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs are contributing to your hesitation. Identifying these barriers can help you work on overcoming them. Ask yourself this question, “Is it true?”

4. What's the Worst-Case Scenario? Imagine the worst possible outcome if things don't go as planned. Often, realizing that the worst-case scenario is not as catastrophic as you might think can ease your fear.

5. What Are the Potential Benefits? Consider what you might gain from trying this new thing. Are there potential rewards, personal growth opportunities, or positive outcomes (even if it’s one-and-done) that outweigh your fear? Try replacing your self-doubt and questioning with excitement and optimistic curiosity for what could be.

Don't fret about a never-ending commitment the next time you're standing at the edge of a new adventure. Dive in, try it out, and switch channels if you’re not a fan. Life's not a lifetime subscription; it's a choose-your-own-adventure story. Embrace new experiences, chase your passions, and enjoy the show, one daring act at a time.

Stay unchained -- Janet