Life is filled with risks, challenges, and endless possibilities. Yet there’s a familiar saying—often expressed in different ways—that captures the instinctive desire to avoid failure: “Never trying, never fails.” On the surface, this phrase may appear to offer a simple, even comforting, rationale. After all, if you never attempt something, you cannot truly fail at it. However, beneath this apparent reassurance lies a deeper commentary on how fear of failure can limit potential growth and success. Below is an exploration of what this phrase means, why it resonates, and how to move beyond the mindset it can create.
1. Understanding the Phrase
“Never trying, never fails” is a succinct way of highlighting the paradox that some people face when they shy away from any risk to avoid disappointment. It essentially points out that:
- By not attempting, you eliminate the risk of losing.
You can’t strike out if you never step up to the plate. - You also miss the opportunity to succeed.
There can be no victory if you never join the game.
The phrase is often used ironically—to call attention to the idea that though you’re protecting yourself from failure, you’re also preventing any forward movement or personal development. Avoiding failure might seem like a “safe” bet in the short term, but in the long run, it can mean forfeiting experiences, growth, and potential triumphs.
2. The Psychology of Avoidance
Fear of Failure
Many people find comfort in the idea that if you never try, you cannot fail. This can stem from fear of failure, which can manifest in several ways:
- Perfectionism: The desire to do everything perfectly or not at all.
- Low Self-Esteem: Believing you’re not capable of success can deter you from even attempting.
- Negative Past Experiences: A history of disappointment can create a protective mindset, urging you to avoid new risks.
The Illusion of Safety
There is also a psychological reward system at work: when you avoid taking a risk, you experience immediate relief from the anxiety that comes with the possibility of failing. This relief can act like a short-term payoff, reinforcing the avoidance behavior. However, the cost is losing out on the long-term rewards that come from learning, growth, and potential victories.
3. Consequences of Never Trying
Missing Out on Growth
We often learn the most from what doesn’t work out. Failure can be a critical teacher, showing us what we need to change or how we can improve. Without taking chances, we rob ourselves of these valuable lessons.
Stunted Potential
Never attempting means never knowing how far you could go, what you might achieve, or what passions you might discover. This self-limiting behavior ensures that certain goals remain forever out of reach.
Regret and “What Ifs”
Over time, a life spent avoiding risk can lead to regret. Looking back, you might question what could have happened if you had just tried—even once. The unfulfilled curiosity and lingering “what ifs” can be more emotionally burdensome than any single failure.
4. Turning the Mindset Around
Embracing Failure as Part of Growth
Redefine failure as a stepping stone rather than a dead end. When you reframe setbacks as learning opportunities, the idea of trying—and possibly failing—becomes less intimidating.
Gradual Exposure to Risk
If the thought of aiming high seems overwhelming, start small. Set manageable goals that are just outside your comfort zone. Over time, accomplishing small wins can build self-confidence and reduce the fear tied to failure.
Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Shifting your focus from end results to the journey itself can help you see the value in trying. Every attempt brings new information, skills, and experiences—benefits that remain valuable even if the original goal isn’t fully realized.
5. Balancing Caution and Courage
It’s important to note that “never trying” does not mean you can’t be cautious or strategic. Risk management has its place: choosing when and how to invest effort, time, or resources is part of a healthy, balanced approach to life. The key is not allowing fear to paralyze you into inaction. Instead, prudence and courage can coexist, allowing you to make thoughtful decisions about which risks to take and when.
Conclusion
“Never trying, never fails” captures a powerful notion about how fear can deceive us into avoiding risks in the name of avoiding failure. Yet, ultimately, it’s a reminder that inaction carries its own costs: missed opportunities, stunted growth, and lingering regret. Embracing the possibility of failing is not about chasing failure itself—it’s about recognizing that taking risks, learning from mistakes, and discovering your strengths can lead you to places you never thought possible. When you let go of the illusion of safety that “never trying” brings, you open the door to a life marked by growth, resilience, and the potential for real success.
