May you always do what you are afraid to do

May you always do what you are afraid to do

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It just means that the biggest rewards in life come from taking big risks. 
It means things that people wish they could do but most are too afraid to for various reasons. 
Things like starting your own business or asking the girl of your dreams out, or getting a PHD, 

It means don't let fear stop you from doing something that will help you become 
a better person or make society a better place. You'll benefit by doing it, even if you're afraid. If you let fear stop you, you'll regret it in the long run.

That being said, there are things in life that we want, and very often, there is a corresponding level of fear that is directly proportional with how badly we want something, and how much it will benefit us. You want to go to Harvard; you are afraid of getting rejected. You want to go defend yourself at traffic court; you’re afraid of getting points put 
on your license if you screw up.

However, much of what we are afraid of in life, is n’t so bad. If you don’t get into Harvard, you’ll get in elsewhere, and you’ll kick yourself if you don’t try at all. You lose in traffic court, you’ll suck it up and forget about it in a year. 

Always do what you are afraid to do, as long as it’s the right thing to do, and it’s what you really want. Looking back on your life, you’ll be so glad you did.