Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Regret
And the risk of playing it "safe"
Safe feels good, right? It’s familiar, predictable—the steady 9-to-5 with a paycheck, benefits, and the usual routine. But have you ever noticed how "safe" can start to feel… stuck?
On the flip side, chasing a passion and taking a leap, feels risky. So, we stay in the comfort of what we know, even when it doesn’t quite fit anymore.
Here’s the thing: some say playing it safe is actually the riskiest choice of all. Taking a risk doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and starting a business—it could just mean stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself to try something new.
I spoke with Joey Welling, founder of Ethos Athletic Club, about what inspired his entrepreneurial journey. He shared, “I felt like I had to do this. I saw people lose their passion and their jobs going the regular route. If I’m going to struggle, I’d rather struggle building my own thing.”
This isn’t about giving up the safety net entirely, but rather about why playing it safe can actually be riskier in the long run.
The Comfort of Playing It Safe
A traditional job offers predictability—paychecks, benefits, and stability. For many, that’s a tough deal to walk away from. But when we think about dedicating just a few years to something we genuinely care about, suddenly it feels too risky.
Why is it that we’ll spend decades in a job that doesn’t excite us, but hesitate to invest just a few years in something we truly believe in?
The journey isn’t easy, but the bigger risk is staying where you’re not growing, not challenging yourself, and not living according to your values.
Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Regret
Failure is a terrifying thought. But when you compare it to the fear of regret, the equation changes. The real failure is not trying at all.
Joey shares: “The older you get, the more you realize the fear of regret stings much worse than the fear of failure.”
In 10 or 20 years, what would you regret more—spending a few years pursuing something you’re passionate about and failing, or never trying at all? The regret of letting fear control your decisions often outweighs the fear of failure itself.
When asked how he overcame the fear of taking the risk, Joey said: “To this day I haven’t overcome it. I still have nights where I wake up at 2am drenched in sweat thinking about how it could end today."
The reality is, that trying something is never a wasted effort. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, the lessons, connections, and growth you gain along the way will carry you forward.
So, What’s Stopping You?
If you’ve been sitting on an idea, project, or dream, now’s the time to ask: What’s the bigger risk? The fear of failure, or the regret of never having tried?
“You’ll never have all the answers before you jump,” Joey shared. And that’s the point—growth happens in the unknown. Taking that first step, no matter how small, is the key to unlocking the future you want to create.
Make the Time, Take the Step
It’s about believing in yourself and starting, even if it’s just a tiny step. Here’s some advice if you’re feeling unfulfilled:
Identify Your Passions: What truly excites you?
Make Time: Dedicate small amounts of time—early mornings, evenings, weekends.
Start Small: Focus on taking one step at a time, not trying to do everything at once.
Don’t let fear hold you back from what excites you—whether that’s starting a business, pursuing a passion project, or shifting your career. You don’t need to have it all figured out today—just take that next step.
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