Fearing Failure

I don't know why trying something new is so scary, especially when I'm using the same paints, canvas, and tools as I have for many years.  But to venture into the unknown always feels like balancing on the edge of a cliff (I experience vertigo...so even the second floor of a mall with glass railings is terrifying).  It feels like I'm setting myself up for failure.  Yesterday I was reading an article that discussed the fact that we are raised to fear failure rather than embracing it as a huge part of the learning process.  I think that may be why I began posting the 52 WEEKS projects I have created for the past four years - partially to keep me accountable, even though no one may see the posts every Monday...and partially to push myself past the fear of creating something I haven't created before (or in awhile in any case) - because at the beginning of each year I commit publicly to sharing.  I read that the most successful people in their field learned to accept failure at a very young age.  I guess it's just like riding a bike...you try and try again until you get it.  Now to keep that in mind as I continue to paint.