The year is drawing to an end, and for many, this time brings a sense of anticipation and excitement. This is the time for visions of fresh starts, new goals, and exciting possibilities that are flooding in our minds. However, there is the other side where the prospect of a new year is met with a wave of anxiety and dread. This apprehension, often referred to as the "fear of new beginnings," can significantly impact our mental and emotional well-being and make the New —Unknown— Year something we would like to avoid at any cost.

A new beginning at any level, even if it is something we have long wanted to do, is often accompanied by fear and insecurity. It may be a change of job, moving to a new house, a new relationship, a new activity or a new start that we either chose or had to make.

Nevertheless, this fear is quite normal, and it derives from the uncertainty and the sense of the unknown behind something new.

Fear is usually perceived as a sense of insecurity, worry about the future, recurring thoughts of failure, avoidance behaviours and procrastination that can lead to cancelled plans, postponed decisions and ultimately more insecurity.

Where Is This Fear Rooted?

Change inherently involves stepping into the unknown. This uncertainty can trigger anxiety, as we naturally gravitate towards predictability and control. Also, people show a tendency to avoid taking risks; therefore, given that new beginnings often involve taking risks and stepping outside our comfort zones, it can cause terrifying feelings. The fear of failure, the potential for disappointment, and the possibility of not living up to our expectations can be paralyzing.   

Change can evoke a sense of loss, even if it's the loss of familiar routines, comfort levels, or even past identities. This fear can be particularly strong for those who have experienced significant losses in the past.  

Another aspect that makes new beginnings stressful and dreading is that the pressure to “start fresh” and achieve perfection in the new year can be overwhelming. Over the last days of the year, we get into a mode “set your goals, design your life, work for your success, etc.” which can be extremely stressful, because, realistically, how many of us have become millionaires within a year? This unrealistic expectation can lead to increased anxiety and a sense of inadequacy. 

As a consequence, this fear can lead towards avoiding making decisions, setting goals or taking any action that might lead to change. We stay in a job we don’t like because we don’t know our next steps and whether we will find another job soon. We stay in a dull relationship out of fear to go out and find what we really need. We don’t express our honest opinion out of fear of being unpleasant. And then here are the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Should I avoid new beginnings?

Absolutely not; the fear of change should not make us stay still and avoid challenges and opportunities. With the proper preparation for our new start, we can reduce uncertainty and insecurity, and setting small, realistic goals will help us to better adapt to the new circumstances. Also, asking for support and expressing our feelings to our family or friends can help us see things differently, from another perspective.

Most importantly, we should acknowledge our feelings, such as fear or insecurity, and accept them. This acceptance of feelings will likely reduce their intensity and make us focus on what a new beginning can offer and new opportunities for development in every area of our lives.

What we can do best to alleviate the fear is to acknowledge that change is inevitable and that uncertainty is a natural part of life. Instead of striving for perfection, it’s better to focus on setting small, achievable goals that gradually build momentum.

Also, shifting our focus from all the adverse outcomes and potential to the potential for growth, learning, and new experiences that we will acquire of our new beginning, small or big.