In a recent LinkedIn post, Shulin Lee discusses the pervasive fear of failure and argues that the greater risk in life and career is never taking the leap at all. Lee, who has made significant career pivots including leaving law and starting a company, shares personal reflections on the journey of building a life aligned with one’s desires, emphasizing action over prolonged preparation.
The post begins with a candid look at Lee’s own timeline, noting, “I’m 42 now. I quit law at 27. Started a company at 33. Started creating content at 37. And I’m still figuring it out.” This personal context sets the stage for a broader message about the nature of risk and personal growth.
“The biggest risk isn’t failing. It’s NEVER trying at all.”
Lee asserts that many individuals are held back not by a lack of ability, but by the intense fear of public failure. This fear, according to Lee, often masquerizes as strategic planning or preparation, leading to a state of perpetual readiness that never culminates in action. “Most people don’t fail. They never even start,” Lee writes, highlighting this as a critical distinction.
The Paralysis of Preparation
A significant portion of Lee’s message addresses the phenomenon of over-preparation. The author suggests that the desire to wait until everything is ‘perfect’ or until one feels ‘ready’ is a common trap. Lee shares personal experiences of embarking on new ventures, such as leaving a stable law career and starting a podcast, without feeling fully prepared. These were moments, Lee recounts, where the discomfort of inaction finally outweighed the fear of moving forward.
According to Lee, the individuals who successfully build the lives they envision are not necessarily more talented, lucky, or connected. Instead, they possess a greater willingness to endure the discomfort of not knowing and the potential for looking foolish. “They’re just more willing to look stupid for a while,” Lee states.
“Clarity doesn’t come from thinking. It comes from doing.”
This sentiment underscores a core theme of the post: the power of experiential learning. Lee advocates for action as the primary driver of understanding and progress, suggesting that true clarity and confidence emerge from the process of doing, rather than from extensive deliberation.
Embracing the Attempt
Lee offers a congratulatory perspective on failure itself, reframing it as a sign of effort and progress. “So if you fail this month – congratulations. You tried. That already puts you ahead of most people,” the post reads. This perspective aims to dismantle the negative stigma associated with failure, positioning it as an essential component of achievement.
The ultimate risk, as articulated by Lee, is not the act of trying and potentially failing, but the regret that comes from a life unlived due to fear. “The risk is waking up at 60 and realizing you never jumped,” Lee warns.
“Because most people will spend their entire lives getting ready for something they’ll never actually do.”
The article concludes with a direct call to action, encouraging readers to question their own extended periods of ‘preparation’ and to consider taking the plunge. Lee’s message is ultimately one of empowerment, urging individuals to prioritize action and embrace the learning process, even when it involves uncertainty and the possibility of missteps.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shulin Lee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 6, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →