This little four letter word can do some serious damage to someone's life if they allow it. Fear can even creep up on you in your elementary days...having you scared to approach that first crush or even sit where you want to in the school cafeteria. Fear is the reason why lots of people are stuck in their mediocre jobs and normal lifestyles. Some people are actually afraid to take that risk because of the idea of failure or rejection. There's been many adults [older than me] that when asked if they are living out their dreams, they've replied no. They're just doing whatever needs to be done to get an income and keep their household in shape. And surprisingly, I somewhat understand it. It's hard to just leap out and do something when you have no clue what the outcome will be. But I also think the feeling of never trying has to feel 10x worse than failing at an attempted goal. I mean in this world today it seems people are forced to go to school, get a job, make money, and somehow forget about their dreams. Naaaaaa. Not me. I refuse to be sitting up in someone's corporate office my whole life rocking business suits and uniform 2inch heels. That was never me & I honestly believe that it will never be. We have to get out here in this world and face our fears. Do not be afraid to fail. Practice makes perfect. 
There's this other "F" word that keeps me going. This word trumps fear, failure and any other word that can prevent one from aspiring to become what they want to be. FAITH. It works too. Faith is confidence or trust that things will work out, regardless of any situation. Faith in God will definitely keep you striving for your goals despite the world's attempt to shut you down and kick your dreams out the window. I think some people are naturally faithful individuals. For me, it took practice. I used to have a hard time understanding how rent would be paid next week when I was $200 short this week. But trust and believe, at the end of the day things work out in your favor and everything will be okay. So once again I just want to tell you to chase your dreams. Forget fear, treat it like an unwanted friend and move on without it. Whether it's speaking to that guy/girl you've been admiring for months or years, the career you've wanted since you were a child, or simply sitting with a group of people in the school cafeteria that you've always wanted to converse with. Don't be afraid. This is your life and you only get one to live. So do it...faithfully with your head high. I promise, there will be NO regrets. =]