I hate reading things like "more than half of startups will fail in the first 5 years, so get ready to fail and change your plans".

It's not random... you don't have 50% chance of success. The half that failed did something wrong, there is a reason they weren't successful... it's not a probability thing.

Also, first FIVE years?!

Why are restauranteurs considered successful if they last a year?

I think if people are growing and creating socially good things, why should we worry if they financially fail in 5 years?

If you are lucky enough to be able to, go and do what needs to be done. If that's a startup, do it.