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Whether it's a sport, a workout or a career, it's no surprise that if you feel you won't succeed at something new, you're less likely to try it. But studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., concluded that your perceptions of your strengths and weaknesses might be inaccurate and can lead you to think you've performed more poorly (or, sometimes, better) than you actually have. "The research suggests that if you force yourself to at least take the first step in trying something new, you may surprise yourself by performing well despite your lack of confidence," says co-researcher Joyce M. Ehrlinger. "If you choose only situations that pose little risk of failure, you can miss out on finding your hidden talents." To boost the likelihood that you'll experiment, Ehrlinger suggests these strategies: * Vow to accept new challenges. * Define the areas you'd like to grow in, then set appropriate goals. * Find a mentor to guide and encourage you. * Rather than relying on your own negative self-assessment, ask for honest feedback about your abilities and performance from others.