For most of my life, I have typically been severely afraid of failure. It has caused me for most of my life to not take any risks because of the fear of failing at whatever I tried to do. I have recently realized that life is all about taking risks and if you don't take risks, you'll always stay stuck in the same position you currently are in in your life.

Although failure is still something I try to avoid at all costs, I now see that it is something that I must do in order to move as smoothly as possible throughout my 20's and beyond. If you are anything like me, taking risks is something that I tried to avoid throughout the majority of my teenage years, but I realized that I missed out on a lot of different opportunities because of it. If I could go back in time, I would take every single risk I could have possibly taken because I feel like it would have exposed me to different and exciting experiences.

Whether it's trying out for that sport at school or going on interviews with different competitive internships, don't be afraid to try and take the risks. Even if you get denied, you are better off knowing that you tried something new and don't have to constantly think, "what if I tried this".

Ever since I have been taking different risks and trying new things, I have still been rejected from many of the risks I have taken, but that isn't stopping me from moving on because eventually I know that I will be successful in my life and all of the risks that I am taking now will pay off in the end. The idea of rejection still does make me cringe on a daily basis and it isn't the best feeling in the world, but I know that it is a part of growing up and living life to the fullest. Being scared and never trying new and different things leads you to a not so exciting life. I want my life to be filled with excitement and risks rather than it be boring and not taking certain risks.

I now see a new and adventurous life right ahead of me because of this new mindset that I have. After all of these years I have finally realized that there is something rewarding about taking a big risk in your life and actually having it pay off in the end. It keeps me motivated to continue to try new things in my life that will lead me to the success that I desire within my life.

If you are someone who is always afraid of taking risks, don't be. As someone who has been in your shoes, I understand that it may not be easy to begin with, but after some getting used to, you will be glad that you did.