This morning, my colleague told me that he once knew someone who won a competition but they felt too embarrassed to go on the radio to claim their £25,000 prize. Instead, they declined to answer the call and missed out on a potential windfall. We laughed about it and said that it was something that I would do.

It got me thinking, though; how many good opportunities have I spurned due to shyness, anxiety, indecision, or over-analysing the situation? I’ve turned down offers of employment, invitations to social events, and chances to learn new skills. Sometimes this was down to a fear of the unknown; on other occasions it was because I was worried that I might fail. Most of the time it was because I felt like hiding from the world.

Friendships have suffered or failed to blossom, careers have not been embarked upon, and memories from amazing adventures were never made. Rather than dwelling on this, however, it’s best to focus on the things I have done, and the people in my life who I cherish.

For every hundred mini-adventures I’ve missed out on, I have taken a grand journey at a moment when I felt confident enough to do so. Wonderful memories of trekking along the Great Wall of China and across the Sahara, or exploring Brazil and Bali, more than make up for the feelings of regret caused by spurned opportunities.

The most important thing for me is to accept that I will always be the type of person who declines to take up the majority of chances to do something beneficial or enjoyable. It’s OK, though, as long as I select the ones that I’m comfortable with and I am happy with the life I have chosen. Maybe that’s how I protect my mental health. Today, I decided to make the most of my positive mood by offering to take part in a couple of upcoming events. What’s the worst that can happen? It can’t be as grim as turning down £25,000!