Never Be Afraid to Start Over: You Are Starting With Experience
Have you ever felt scared to start something new? Maybe you had to switch schools, try a different sport, or move to a new place. It can feel like you’re starting from nothing, but that’s not true! When you start over, you are not starting from scratch—you are starting with experience.
Why Starting Over Can Be Scary
Change can be hard. People often feel nervous about trying something new because they don’t know what will happen (Dweck, 2006). It’s normal to feel afraid of failure, but mistakes are part of learning. Even when things don’t go as planned, you still gain knowledge and skills that help you in the future.
Experience Helps You Grow
When you start over, you already know things you didn’t know before. Maybe you learned what works and what doesn’t. Psychologists say that learning from past experiences helps people grow and get better at solving problems (Bandura, 1977). Every time you try again, you bring more wisdom with you.
For example, imagine you’re learning to ride a bike. The first time you try, you might fall. But after a few tries, you figure out how to balance. If you stop and start again later, you’re not truly starting over—you’re using what you already learned.
Famous People Who Started Over
Many successful people had to start over. Walt Disney’s first company failed, but he used what he learned to create Disney (Thomas, 1991). Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job, but she kept going and became one of the most famous talk show hosts (Krohn, 2010). These people didn’t give up. They learned from their experiences and tried again.
How to Be Brave When Starting Over
If you ever feel nervous about a new beginning, remember these tips:
Think of what you have learned. Every challenge teaches you something useful.
Believe in yourself. Your experience makes you stronger.
See mistakes as lessons. They are stepping stones to success.
Take small steps. You don’t have to do everything at once.
Conclusion
Starting over is not a bad thing—it’s a chance to use what you’ve learned. Every experience makes you smarter, stronger, and better prepared. So, don’t be afraid to try again. You are not starting from nothing; you are starting with experience!
John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S
Executive Director | Clinical Social Worker | Community Advocate
For more than two decades, John S. Collier has dedicated his career to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through compassionate behavioral healthcare, leadership, and advocacy. As the founder and Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC, he has played a significant role in expanding access to mental health, case management, and community-based support services throughout Eastern Kentucky.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Mr. Collier earned his Master of Social Work degree in 2004 and subsequently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to serving individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families.
Professional Leadership
As Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, Mr. Collier oversees a growing multidisciplinary behavioral health organization providing outpatient therapy, targeted case management, positive behavior support services, and community-based supports. He also maintains clinical and supervisory responsibilities, serving in multiple leadership and professional capacities within the organization, including clinical supervision, positive behavior support, staff development, program development, and community outreach.
His professional work includes:
Clinical psychotherapy and behavioral health treatment
Positive Behavior Support planning and consultation
Clinical supervision and staff development
Community mental health advocacy
Program development and organizational leadership
Behavioral assessment and intervention planning
Service coordination for individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs
Clinical Philosophy
Mr. Collier’s clinical philosophy centers on treating the whole person rather than merely addressing symptoms. He utilizes evidence-based approaches while emphasizing dignity, respect, empowerment, and individualized treatment planning. His work incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles, trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, family involvement, and strengths-based interventions designed to help individuals reach their fullest potential.
He is particularly passionate about increasing access to behavioral healthcare in rural communities and ensuring individuals receive services that are practical, meaningful, and tailored to their unique strengths and needs.
Community Involvement
Beyond his clinical work, Mr. Collier has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement throughout his career. His efforts have included public education, outreach initiatives, advocacy for mental health awareness, and collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. He believes strong communities are built when mental health services are accessible, stigma is reduced, and individuals are empowered to succeed.
Author, Educator, and Advocate
In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Mr. Collier has contributed to professional and community discussions through writing and education. Publicly available information indicates that he has been a published author in areas related to mental health, Freemasonry, and poetry. His work reflects a commitment to personal growth, community service, and the advancement of behavioral health knowledge.
Personal Values
Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Collier has remained grounded in the core values of social work: service, integrity, competence, dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, and social justice. Colleagues, clients, and community partners know him for his commitment to helping others achieve meaningful and lasting change while fostering an environment of compassion, respect, and accountability. This dedication continues to guide both his leadership and clinical practice today.
Contact Information
Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC
202 West 7th Street
Suite 200
London, Kentucky 40741
Phone: (606) 657-0532 Ext. 101
References
Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House.
Krohn, K. (2010). Oprah Winfrey: A Twentieth-Century Life. New York: Viking.
Thomas, B. (1991). Walt Disney: An American Original. New York: Disney Editions.
