Imagine never again being afraid of anything. That would be foolhardy. It's smart to be fearful of certain things. You wouldn't live very long if you rushed headlong into dangerous, life-threatening situations with no concern for your safety.
When you embrace risk intelligently, you learn to assess a situation quickly. Seeing the possible rewards, you happily accept that pursuing a particular endeavor will have uncertain outcomes. You may fail miserably, or you could suffer a significant loss.
Yet, you move forward because of the potential outcome and the experience.
This situation can add purpose and fulfillment to your life. It can wake you up from the zombie walk you have been shuffling through your entire life. The exhilaration, enhanced self-esteem, and improved self-image you receive are just a few of the rewards embracing risk offers.
You Look Forward to Your Mornings
Coffee is the beverage of choice for many in the morning (Certainly for me). It fills them with energy and makes starting each day less terrible. Unfortunately, this caffeine-rich and often sugar-laden approach to morning motivation is always followed by an inevitable crash and burn.
??????????That doesn't happen when your desire to tackle the day is genuine. It comes from inside. Risks don't scare you. You see them as opportunities for growth and vehicles for expanding your horizons. Even for people who routinely despise the morning because it signals another 24 hours of trudging through life with no purpose, embracing risk can be energizing.
Some people argue that you can't truly get to know the unique person that you are without stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks.
You discover powers you didn't previously know you possessed. The self-confidence and strength required to encounter and defeat risk can help you achieve goals and create the life you desire. This practice can give you true clarity and direction about your life's purpose.
Embracing Risk Helps You Grow and Inspire Others
You aren't the only one who can benefit. Self-development is possible for the people around you. They see you confidently embracing the possibility of failure and moving forward anyway, which can push them to do the same and help them grow.
Looking at risk as a potential for wonderful things to happen opens up a world of opportunities. You begin to see the world as limitless rather than limited. Your experience can grow every day. When you see risk as a transformative tool rather than a limitation, you enjoy a more fulfilled life of self-discovery.
I remember the day I took one of the biggest risks of my life: the day I joined the United States Marine Corps. I found myself standing in front of a gray rectangular building on Magnolia Street in Leesburg, Florida. It was a simple structure made of cinder blocks and consisted of three offices. Emblems representing the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were on each of the doors.
As I stood in front of the recruitment office for each service, I remember asking myself, "What would be the biggest challenge?" Without hesitation, I chose the Marine Corps. I walked into the office, letting my freak flag fly (for the young people, that's letting my long hair fly), and boldly stated, "I want to join."
Was I taking a risk? You bet I was. I joined the Marines during the Vietnam War. But that risk changed my life forever and led to new adventures and opportunities.
Take the Leap
It's not about avoiding risk but facing those those fears. When you begin embracing risk, you don't just survive; you thrive.
So, let me ask you again: what risk are you avoiding? The first step is often the hardest but also the most transformative.
Today, take a moment to reflect on what's holding you back. Then, take one small step toward embracing the unknown. You might be surprised at the strength and clarity that comes from facing your fears head-on.
Start small, but start today?because a life without risks is a life without growth.
Recommended Reading
This classic book provides practical advice on how to face your fears and move forward in life. Dr. Jeffers offers strategies for dealing with fear and transforming it into positive energy.