Sometimes taking those steps forward can turn out to be very difficult, hurtful or damaging...But without them we'll never know, and we'll never know what may be possible.
I agree with you about what you, friend @galenkp says, I think that deep down we always know what we have to do, but the fear that things won't turn out as expected is what makes one doubt decision-making, we always seek an opinion so that it gives us more encouragement to continue, you do well not to compare him with yourself because one thing is what you would do and another is what he could do. I remember that I always asked my mother for advice and more than advice it was to be able to unburden myself with her about my problems and she always told me: put things on a scale to see which way it leans, if it is positive or negative and then you take the decision. I never compared myself to her nor did she ever make the decision, she always listened to me and I always felt that she gave me the best advice.
Your mother was a very smart lady I think, and by not giving you direct advice, telling you what to do, she made you reach your own conclusions which taught you valuable lessons to take into your future. That's smart parenting.
Thank you very much friend, I think the same way.