I regret being afraid

I used to be afraid of going to the gym.

From the outside, it seemed intimidating—everyone looked fit, confident, and ahead of me. I worried that if I walked in, people would spot how out of place I was, how little I knew, and judge me for being a beginner. That fear kept me on the sidelines for longer than I’d like to admit.

But the reality was nothing like what I imagined. When I finally went in, I saw that everyone was focused on their own workouts and their own goals. Nobody was watching or judging me.

Most people were too absorbed in their own progress to care, and the few who noticed me were actually supportive; they offered advice or checked in to make sure I stayed safe and learned the right way.

That’s when I realised all that time spent being afraid was just me fighting my own imagination. The regret isn’t about having fear—it’s about letting that fear make my decisions. The real obstacles weren’t the people or the place. They were the limits I set for myself.

It’s easy to believe we need confidence before we start, but the truth is, confidence comes only through action. Everyone starts as a beginner; even the experts had a first day.

So, if you’re on the outside looking in, wondering if you belong, remember: the gym—and most places worth being—aren’t just for the fearless. They’re for anyone willing to show up and give it a try.

Progress doesn’t require perfection or bravery without fear; it just requires action, especially when you’re scared. Being afraid is natural; it’s just part of being human. The people who actually grow aren’t those without fear, but those who move forward despite it.

That’s the wisdom I wish I’d learned sooner: you don’t need to wait for fear to disappear. Just walk through the door and give yourself permission to improve, one small step at a time.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.