Let’s start with this: Taking a risk is never easy. Let’s just get that known fact out of the way from the get-go. When you take a risk you’re going to feel uncomfortable, you’ll likely question yourself, and you might even wonder whether you’re setting yourself up to fail. And let’s be real. The risk you take might not work out, or the outcome might be something you didn’t expect. And that’s our worst fear. The loss of control over what will happen and the potential of having to feel like we actually did just make a huge mistake.
So what do we do? Do we just not take any risks at all? Or do we carefully consider the moments when taking a risk just might be the thing we need to do. There’s no way I’m going to tell you to start taking risks left and right. That’s not what this is all about. This isn’t about living life on the edge, and jumping off mountains in squirrel suits (Um, have you seen those videos on YouTube? Scarrryyyy.). Let’s not do that.
It is about those times when an idea or choice keeps popping up in your head, and the decision isn’t easy to make because you guessed it… it feels risky. Maybe you’ve been thinking for years about transitioning out of your job to start your own biz. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of taking a few months off to go travel the world. Whatever “that thing” may be for you, we all face moments when we have to decide whether or not to actually do something.
Of course, in those situations there will always be a ton of variables that you’ll need to consider. By no means am I pretending to cover all of them here. But when something comes up and it feels a bit risky, ask yourself the following questions and see where your answers lead you.
1.) Will taking the risk get you closer to what you really want? The risk definitely is not worth taking if it isn’t going to get you closer to what you want. We want a lot of things in life, so go a little deeper and consider what you really want. You’ll realize there are some things that don’t feel worth it, while other things will feel worth considering. Keep those “worth considering” things on your radar, and put a hold on the rest. There’s no need to take a risk if in the end it’s not going to get you closer to something you really want. And, I mean really.
2.) How can you plan in advance to minimize the risk? Some things are a matter of timing. While it might not make sense to wake up tomorrow and quit your job to start your own biz, you can certainly plan for it. A reasonable plan could include continuing to work your full-time job while also saving up for a year and laying the groundwork for your biz in your spare time. You might be thinking, “What spare time?” I didn’t say it was going to be easy! You’ll need to flex those time management muscles, but at least it’ll be getting you closer to what you really want. Some things aren’t easy, but are worth it. You decide.
3.) What happens if things don’t work out the way you want them to? Okay, this has two parts. The practical and the emotional. Let’s deal with the practical first. What will you do if the risk you take doesn’t work out? You need to know your Plan B. Don’t leave that to chance. Consider your Plan B (and perhaps even a Plan C) before you take the risk. Now for the second part. How will it impact you emotionally if things don’t work out? While you can’t predict or guarantee an emotional response, you can still consider it. Be honest with yourself about how you might feel if things don’t work out, and decide if it’s still worth pursuing.
We started with this, and I’ll end with this: Taking a risk is never easy. But sometimes, it’s certainly worth it. Consider all the factors, ask yourself the questions above, and in the end decide what’s best for you.
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