Most disastrous choices start with fear of something, and it’s almost always subtle. When fear drives us, we think we are being cautious, responsible, lining up our ducks, preparing for the worst, and playing it safe. But, if our purported precautions are based on a danger that doesn’t actually exist, then we have made small steps based on an imaginary fear.
Even one, single step taken out of fear is a step in the wrong direction. That could be a step off a cliff or send us two degrees off course. It’s better to be directed by goals, not fears.