The Fear of Making Mistakes
- Hrisovalado Irini Mamo
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
The fear of making mistakes is a deeply human experience. Many people avoid taking initiative, expressing themselves, or making important life changes simply because they’re afraid of doing something wrong. But what is really behind this fear, and how can we better understand it?
From early childhood, our experiences with mistakes shape the way we perceive them. A child raised in an environment where errors are punished or met with shame and harsh criticism may grow up fearing mistakes. On the other hand, a child encouraged to explore, try, and learn from missteps is more likely to develop a healthier relationship with failure.
The fear of making mistakes is often tied to deeper emotional needs and internal beliefs:
• Need for approval: Many fear that a mistake will expose them, making them less accepted or valued by others.
• Perfectionism: When a person feels they must be “perfect” to be worthy, even a small mistake can feel like a major personal failure.
• Low self-esteem: The less someone believes in their own abilities, the more they fear the possibility of being “proven wrong.”
Fear of mistakes can lead to procrastination, anxiety, avoidance, and even emotional paralysis. It can keep people from pursuing goals, speaking up, trying new things, or growing—both personally and professionally.
Accepting mistakes as part of being human—and as a natural part of learning—is essential for psychological well-being. Mistakes don’t mean we’re not good enough; they mean we are trying. Through our missteps, we grow, gain insight, and build resilience.
Psychotherapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore the roots of this fear. Together, we can challenge unrealistic beliefs, understand past experiences, and cultivate a more compassionate inner voice. In therapy, you can begin to see mistakes not as threats, but as opportunities for growth.
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