For the past 25 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "NO" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something... almost everything- all external expectations,all pride,all fear of embarrassment or failure- these things just fall away in the face of death,leaving only what is truly important.
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.