I built my trainer about 10 years ago. I had not flown it until recently. Partly due to not having the time, and partly due to being afraid to crash it. I got over that fear the first time it was flying. To see a plane you built from sticks of wood and glue soaring thru the sky is well, awe inspiring. Get an instructor, and you won't crash your first time out, you won't worry about crashing, and when you eventually do crash you will realise that it can be rebuilt or a new plane can be built in tribute to the one that just gave it's life.

I also find it is easier to fly in real life than on the simulator as the simulator has a limited field of view, but in real life you have much more references to items around you so you know where the plane is in relation to the ground much better. Get good on a simulator, and you will be great in the air, but the simulator is not really needed. An instructor is needed though.