He had thought about failure before, but never in a personal context.

Other people
failed, other individuals found themselves unable to reach their goals or follow their
dreams; he always seemed to make it. His worldview was based on the idea that
despite his vices, his laziness, or his apathy, things would always work out. Much
like the man who expects to live forever due to prior experience, it worked until it
didnt. Now 30 was rearing its ugly head, staring him in the face, viciously mocking
him and his underachievement. What have you accomplished? It seemed to say
what have you done with the last eight years of your life to prepare yourself to live
in the style you have become accustomed?
Living moment to moment hadnt worked out too well. Each time he compared
himself to his peers he found himself comforted, instead of asking should these be
my peers? Rather than elevate his ambition, he condescended to continue as he
was: for a young man sees a eternity in front of him.