How to change being an „almost“ person?

I just noticed a pattern in myself that I really don’t like.

I had a phone call today where I had the perfect opportunity to ask for something I genuinely wanted.

There was no real risk in asking and nothing to lose.
The thought came into my mind during the conversation. I knew I wanted to ask. But somehow it kept circling around in my head instead of coming out of my mouth. Before I managed to say it, the conversation was over.

And suddenly I realized: I do this often. I almost claim the prize. I almost become successful. I almost get the relationship.

So instead of fully owning it, I think one more time. I ask one more person. I sleep on it one more night. And then it‘s gone. But at least I can say I almost got it. 🙄

And I realized that almost feels safer than actually having what I want.

Does anyone else experience this? What could be the reason for this?

I am genuinely looking for input on how to overcome it.