It's simple advice, yet can be hard to put into practise for some people. I've been on a similar path myself for a few years now, and I'm finally getting to where I want to be.
I think there's a saying that goes: 'The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.' It's rung true for me for many years, and I use it as a guide post to put more own efforts into perspective.
You don't get to where you want in life through passivity. I think a lot of it has to do with the fear of failure, and how we'll be perceived by others, as well it impacting on our own sense of self worth.