Is It Worth The Risk?
Most people tend to avoid risk. They play it safe. They say the prefer to take a more conservative approach. They won’t gamble unless they think it’s a sure bet.
So why do we avoid it? Mainly fear.
- We’re afraid of what we don’t understand
- We’re afraid of what we don’t know
- We’re afraid of failing
- We’re afraid of succeeding
But risk is good. Without it, would ever change, and frankly life would be pretty dull.
Determining whether or not something is ‘worth the risk’ takes thought. Before you can calculate whether taking the risk will give you a return on your investment (whether it involves time, effort, money), you need to sit down with a piece of paper and do your homework.
On one side of the page list out the benefits of taking the risk and what you have to gain. On the other side figure our what you have to lose if you didn’t take it. Think about whether your risk avoidance is based on actual fact or emotion. If your fears are valid, that’s one thing, but if their rooted in fear, it’s time you let go and take a chance. The very worst that could happen is that you’d learn something by the mere process of trying something new, and even if you failed, you’d end up light years ahead of where you are now. Remember, do something once, and you’ll never fear it again.
William Arthur Ward, an educator and inspirational writer had a lot to say about risk. His work often provided perspective and clarity we need when we reach a fork in the road. Here’s some of his wisdom.
To Risk
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because
the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live.
Chained by his servitude he is a slave
who has forfeited all freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.