One of the things holding us back from taking those big steps is fear of the unknown. To every decision, the "what ifs" become the killer; we imagine the worst at every action and choose the safer routes. While playing it safe, fear becomes the psychological catalyst, aiding our quick response in retracting from danger. We choose a different career path afraid that our passion may not look promising, we refuse to take a step in achieving our goals afraid that we may fail, we reject certain relationships afraid our parents wouldn't approve of it, and we refuse to take steps of faith afraid that we wouldn't see results. All that holds us back is redirected to the fear of the unknown.
If fear is our barrier to taking those dreaded steps, what then would I do differently if I overcome my fears? My teenage dream was to become an engineer, just any field of science that allows me to create. The major barrier then was my parents who preferred I take a medical field. Currently, my barrier is starting all over again in my early 30s. Going back to study what I love looks too late with so many demands already hanging around my neck. If I had to overcome my fear of financial burden, lateness, and the future of this country that holds no promise, then it means I'll start all over again, sit for the JAMB exams, and work toward enrolling in a tertiary institution once again.
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It would be a great milestone for me, one I've longed for years. With my head up, I'll walk proudly knowing I've finally taken that big bold step of becoming the man I've always wanted to be—the engineer who has dreamed of building and reconstructing things. I don't plan on building new things, but adding innovation to what has already been in existence. No fear of risk management would mean finally doing what makes me happy with no worries about consequences.
While the consequences may be there, beyond them is a fulfillment that courage alone can give. The joy that comes from sacrificing comfort for goals, age for that which was once a teenage dream, and our fear for a future that may turn things around for good. If fear is defeated in my life, then I'll take the big risk of starting all over again, making amends for the past I may have erred with no worries but the joy of knowing I was able to live the dream I desired.