[Guest Post] Getting Over Your Fear of Cooking by Michelle Rebecca

There are those of us who are born chefs and kitchen wizards. They seem to have drifted from the womb with a spatula in one hand and a recipe book in the other. No matter what the ingredients are, those with a bit more savior faire can turn them into magical, delicious final products. Then, there are people who have to work a bit harder to get the technical knowledge down. It doesn't look remotely easy, but it looks like they know what they are doing.

And then there are those who can't cook. At all. Poor souls who break into cold sweats at the thought of boiling an egg. The kitchen is a distant planet where the Ceramcor cookware has not seen the light of day. Well, it’s time to get busy and get over that unnecessary phobia!

It All Starts With One Step

That first step is accepting that it's okay to not be an amazing cook immediately. There's no such thing as a bad cook: Only cooks that don't take the time to practice or learn from their mistakes. Rather than think you have to be perfect the first few times or give up forever, know that many people who go on to become world famous chefs or just really good cooks had to take the time to learn. Allow yourself imperfection — as well as occasional use of the fire extinguisher.

Invest in the Right Equipment

One of the best ways to take the plunge into the world of cooking is to go shopping for the items you'll need to make it happen. Think of it as an educational experience or an adventure. If you don't know where to begin, do a bit of research or get some advice. Create a checklist of the types of products you'll need to buy to get started. Avoid wasting money on specialized equipment that only an expert would need — start simple and then work your way up.

Decide What Style Is Right for You

One of the best things about learning to cook is the development of your own taste. Some people find they love to bake cakes and cookies. Others develop a taste for Italian cuisine or find they prefer Thai foods. What tools you use and the recipes you lean toward are all up to you, so try and do your best to figure out what your passions are. The more certain you are of your cooking style, the more motivated you'll be to cook the foods you want and to improve over time.

Get Support and Feedback

Some people allow themselves to own the title of “terrible cook.” This is a mistake that keeps their “cooking confidence” non-existent. Friends and family mean well when they say for you to never go near a stove. They may even think they're saving your life. Well, what do they know?

If you don't trust yourself enough to go it alone, sign up for a cooking class in your area or hit up friends and family who can cook for advice. Nag them until it's clear that you want to get over this hump and become acquainted with cooking for yourself. Someone is sure to get you started.

Enjoy Your Progress

As time passes and you get the hang of cooking, take the time to appreciate and enjoy this activity. For many who love to cook, it is a relaxing and fun way to spend your time. You also are now capable of feeding yourself and others, which can give you a feeling of confidence and independence. So stop being afraid, take a deep breath and take a step towards the kitchen. You may not think so now, but eventually, you'll be glad you did.

Michelle is a blogger and feelancer. She’s written about almost every topic under the sun, and loves constantly learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.