The Leading Blog post Why Failing is the Key to Success is an excellent look at this important point:

Failure is how we learn. The problem is, argues Megan McArdle, we’re forgetting that truth. We are becoming too risk-averse and that is bad for our children, for our personal lives, for our companies, and for our country.

So, do take a look at it.  I think you will be glad you did.  Don’t be afraid to fail.