Who Is The One That Counts?

I agree that true credit belongs to the person that goes into the arena -- that person took the initiative, stuck his neck out, risked failure. I have often avoided being the person in the arena. When I have dared, I did it to a great extent due to being tired of holding back when I feel I have something worthwhile to offer, and yet I jumped in with much fear of not doing well and failing. I have been my own worst critic, even when my going into the arena went well. What has helped me cultivate striving and investing is believing what I have to offer is worthwhile, believing that pushing myself to get into the arena pushes my growth no matter what happens, and knowing that holding back and playing it safe is self stunting and dissatisfying.