This should not lead to the will to never "run" ("never forfeit"), as it is as counter-productive as the will to "take any challenge". If a challenge induces a

This should not lead to the will to never "run" ("never forfeit"), as it is as counter-productive as the will to "take any challenge". If a challenge induces a major risk with a subpar reward, just don't take it, or drop it. Churchill's "We shall fight on the beaches" is sound when the stakes are at their max, when there is no other way around. Moreover there are challenges imposed to you, and challenges you chose (among those last there are rewarding ones and also (whatever the reward) too dangerous ones). Expertise is the best tool when it comes to select a challenge rewarding and adequate for you, to avoid/drop other challenges and to avoid having anything imposed to you. As Frank Borman said "A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill." However in order to gain expertise you have to tackle challenges. Generally life and our family and friends let us start with non-dangerous ones, therefore the best way to gain pertinent expertise is, especially as a youngster, a "realistic" and guided will to explore.