In the past I have been unable to decide, as to whether there is a pre-programmed life that humans follow, things happen as they are meant to be, or whether man makes his own destiny. After much thought, here is my conclusion.
Analogous to software downloads, you can download the basic version for free. It gives you the basic tools to get around your goal. Similarly, everybody has a basic line set for them, you're gifted with basic tools, but to make it in the big league, to influence significant positive change around you, you have to invest in yourself. That would be buying the upgraded pro versions of the software, learning how to use them and to achieve higher goals.
This investment in yourself involves risk, hard work, calculation and passion. You can get through life just being happy, taking what comes your way (fairly) naturally, getting married, doing a job, having a social life, kids etc. Or you can risk investing in yourself, such as training your body, risking loneliness, studying further to train your mind and finding a path where your goals are not limited by your limited imagination.
Thoughts about failure are wasted thoughts. The higher the risk, the higher the reward, and common knowledge is that the most successful people make so many attempts are various things, that they fail more number of times than they achieve. Yet their total quantum of rewards are much greater than failure. Why? Your failures reward you with learning so much, that you end up making up for your failures with bigger achievements, as long as you don't give up. (these are collected quotes from a lot of people, which make a lot of sense to me now)
In the recent past i've met people who have inspired me greatly. I once again stand at the brink, wondering what to do next. I seek big things, I have the courage, time, passion and intelligence to pull it through, its just time to decide on my niche. World hold on, here I come.
