The rule is simple: If you want to live an extraordinary life, you can’t act like everyone else. Every person defines success according to their own perspective.
Life isn't always happy and inspiring. We have problems, grow bored and annoyed, likely dislike our jobs, and lack motivation to pursue our present aspirations and wish lists.
Sometimes, the most interesting study results are those that were not expected to have these results. This happened to me in late 2007 when I was interviewing one of the participants in a study who was asked to imagine positive events daily for a week.
The fear of failing and the lack of confidence to face that fear keep many people from following their dreams. This must have been a feeling you experienced, partially, at least.