Issue 96: Healthy Risk
THE LEAP
BY QUANTUM ORANGE
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE
ISSUE 96 | HEALTHY RISK
Each week The (Quantum) Leap summarises a key aspect of success into what you need to Think, Feel and Do to create a personal shift.
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. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
~ Steve Jobs
THINK
The definition of risk is a situation in which you expose yourself to danger - and because of that risk carries connotations of negative outcomes. Risk-takers are sometimes perceived as recklessly plunging into perilous ventures, like diving out of a plane, or climbing a rugged mountain or driving a race car.
But taking risks can also help you to discover your full potential. When you step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, you may be surprised by what you're capable of. Taking risks can help you to uncover hidden talents, develop new skills, and achieve goals that you may not have thought possible.
For most of us, risks that are psychological or emotional and require us to put our personal values and beliefs on the line feel more dangerous than physical ones. You take this kind of risk when you commit yourself to another person, invest time and money in developing a talent, or reveal your true feelings to another person, especially the first time. Such choices almost always feel risky, because they are accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety.
Each time we take a risk that contributes to our personal growth or enhances our self-esteem or enriches our lives, we make the choice to stretch ourselves, knowing there are no guarantees and chancing possible failure.
Are you a risk-taker? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does every decision involve endless debates with yourself?
- Do you think you accept less than what you should because you're afraid to speak up?
- Do you make excuses that stop you from taking advantage of opportunities for self-improvement?
- Think back for a moment… What is the biggest risk you ever took?
- What risk do you regret not taking?
- What risk do you think you need to take that will enable you to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be?
FEEL
Taking risks requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and facing the unknown. It's natural to feel afraid of the unknown or uncertain outcomes, but taking risks requires pushing past that fear.
When you step outside of your comfort zone and take a risk, you're telling yourself that you're capable of handling whatever comes your way. Over time, this can help build confidence, resilience and mental toughness by forcing you to adapt and problem solve as challenges come your way.
Remind yourself that failure is a natural part of the learning process. When you take risks, there's always a chance that things won't go as planned. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can help you to grow and develop new skills. It can also help to shift your mindset from one of avoidance to one of curiosity.
Self-reflection questions that may help you deal with taking risks:
- Do you have difficulty making emotional commitments to others?
- Does fear of disapproval stop you doing what you'd really like to do?
- Does fear of failure hold you back from taking on a challenge?
- Do feelings of shame and embarrassment make you avoid risk?
- Do you let feeling uncertain stop you from making changes?
DO
Risk taking is, in a sense, a skill that takes time, commitment and persistence to develop. Just like any skill, when you first start taking risks you aren't going to be used to it, so it may feel like you're taking a step or two backward. But once you adjust to taking healthy risks, it will feel like you're moving forward and translate into improved performance in all areas of life.
Risk doesn't start and stop with a skydiving trip or a big career change - it's an opportunity in the small things too. If you haven't found yourself taking risks lately, pick a small but manageable risk that is important for its own sake. Taking risks can lead to new and interesting relationships, experiences, places and knowledge.
If you believe that stepping outside of your comfort zone on a daily basis and trying new things is a good idea, then here are a few ideas for reasonable risks you could take…
- Talk to a stranger
- Speak your mind
- Travel somewhere new
- Ask for something
- Break a pattern
- Try a new type of food
- Call an old friend
- Go back to school
- Start a business
- Pursue your dream job
- Learn a new sport
- Tell someone your fears
- Tell someone you appreciate them
- Make a commitment to the person you love
When you embrace the idea of risk-taking and what it can do for your life, you will be rewarded with numerous benefits: unseen opportunities may arise, you will build confidence and develop new skills, you will develop a sense of accomplishment and learn things you might not otherwise, you will develop emotional resilience and feel more engaged and happy.
Remember, taking risks doesn't have to be scary - with a change of mindset it can be exciting and empowering. So, what risks will you take today?
NB: This edition is written with healthy, reasonable risk taking that encourages personal growth in mind. Please consult qualified professionals before making major life changes that carry significant risk.
