The risks we take in our lives are often a direct measure of how willing we are to step outside our comfort zone.
The risk of being seen.
The risk of being judged.
The risk of not being liked.
The risk of failing.
The risk of the unknown.
The list goes on and on. Yet, we rarely consider the successes that can come out of taking a risk. The rewards, the growth, the accomplishments among others.
Either way, if we never take a step forward, we’ll always be in the same place we’ve always been.
In the job we loathe. In the relationship, we’ve lost passion for. In the home, we’ve outgrown. Even worse, not taking any risks means not ever knowing…
>>What could have been.
>>How it would have felt like.
>>Where it could have led to.
So many what if’s.
Sometimes yes, there are financial risks, and even those can sometimes yield the biggest rewards.
The question is what are you willing to risk?
“If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” -Erica Jong
In my own life, I’ve seen this play out when I’ve stayed at jobs longer than I should have, relationships that should have ended before they even started and friendships that should have parted ways before they ended in discord.
The risk I didn’t take kept me in the place that kept me playing small, suppressing my growth and ignoring that little voice inside me that was telling me it was time to move on.
I ignored it and while I don’t have regrets of any of the experiences I’ve had at the time that were less than pleasant, I probably could have expedited some of these lessons had I been brave enough to take a risk.
Better yet, put myself first and honour my needs, my wants, my desires, my dreams.
Any of this sound familiar?
Where are you on your own journey?
What place are you in your life where you’re unsure, lacking clarity, maybe feeling a little lost and instead of doing something about it, you’re staying put.
Because it feels safe.
You’re familiar with it.
It’s comfortable.
You’re not exposing yourself.
You don’t have to do the work to figure out what you need or maybe what you want.
You don’t have to risk anything.
Taking risks isn’t about being brave and courageous so you can be recognized for being a hero by your family, friends or strangers. It’s about being brave enough to put yourself first no matter what.
It’s about giving yourself an opportunity to live your best life and live it on your terms doing what you want to do. You don’t get that though if you’re living in the land of comfort and taking the risk-free route.
That nagging feeling that comes and goes is trying to tell you something. Don’t ignore it because you’re afraid of taking a risk and ultimately risk everything.
Taking a risk on yourself will be the best one you’ll ever take!
When’s the last time you took a risk? Let me know below in the comments!
Here’s to being brave, courageous and taking risks!