But there is a counter-point... being to cautious and patient can be a risk in it's own right. In my own case, I look back and feel that I waited too long to indulge my "wild hair" and move to a place with more opportunity.
I would emphasis this as well - I don't think you will get to your death bed some day, and think - "golly, I sure am glad I didn't take any risks. I sure am glad I never did anything stupid."
Sometimes, the real risk is caving to fear.
Another note - never underestimate the value of persistence, and effort. One of my favorite quotes is from Coolidge:
Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.