Everyone tells you to be bold—but when you’re actually in the middle of a PhD, or building something real, all you feel is pressure.

Pressure to finish quickly.

To not mess up.

To not look like a failure.

So what do you do?

You choose the “safe” project.

You chase metrics.

You kill the weird idea that kept you up at night.

I’ve seen this story unfold a hundred times—students who could’ve done something incredible… but didn’t. Not because they lacked talent, but because they were afraid.

Afraid of what their advisor would say.

Afraid of wasting time.

Afraid of looking stupid.

And here’s the truth no one tells you: that weird, risky idea you’re avoiding? It’s probably the most valuable thing you’ve got.

The ones who do the extraordinary aren’t always the smartest. They’re the ones who follow the strange idea anyway.

Even when it looks foolish.

Even when no one else understands it.

Especially then.

If you’re in your 20s and terrified of taking a risk—this is your sign.

Do the thing you’re scared to do.

Not recklessly.

But relentlessly.

Because in 10 years, the only regret you’ll have is not doing it sooner.