Those who really want to win see the competition as an opportunity. Learn to deal with your fears. Fear is one of the greatest deterrents to take risks. People worry so much about failing that their fear paralyzes them and puts imaginary difficulties in their paths. One of the best ways to over come fear is simply to do the things you fear the most, so that it no longer controls you.
Beaten paths are for beaten people.
The ability to take a risk moves you off then beaten path and can set you apart from everybody else. Successful people are those who are willing to take risks. However, make sure you have thought out your actions carefully and understand that both positive and negative actions may result.