Risk Tasking is a ____ (You will have to read further to find the answer.)
How often have we heard sayings, thoughts, and musings about taking risks in life? Probably more times than we could count on both hands. Taking risks in life is a topic that can’t be covered in a blog post, nor could a full book cover the entirety of the topic. Why? Because there are so many different pieces, parts, parallels, etc. that go into taking risks in life. It is a truly complex topic and life journey. So what could you possibly read here that will help after reading the above? Risks are a privilege!
What does it mean to say that risks are a privilege? Many people in this world don’t have the ability to take risks for safety reasons, for example. If they were to take a risk, it may jeopardize their life, their family, or their livelihood. We often take for granted that we can take risks and assume they will always be available to us even if we don’t take them. None of this negates the fact that taking risks is challenging and still requires courage. Instead, this reminds us that the ability to take risks is a gift and a piece of the risk-taking process we need to remember and honor. Maybe in that process, we will give risks another chance in our lives and potentially use them in the service of others to provide them the same opportunities we have.
So how can we apply the above in our life journey? We can start by looking at our current view of risk-taking. What have we learned from experience, our families, friends, professional lives, and society? Then we can look at our actions around risk-taking. That means evaluating how we currently interact with risks and what our actions have been in the past. There is a lot to learn in this process, and what we may find may reveal patterns, trends, and influences that we may not have considered. Be mindful, however, not to get stuck in the past and let judgment rear its ugly head. Hold this process with self-compassion. This is just exploration.
When ready, start to think about how we can use what was learned to inform future decisions about risk-taking. For example, during the exploration process, did a pattern of not knowing how to take risks emerge? That might mean a search is needed to learn how to take risks. Another example could be that someone belittled that decision every time a risk was taken. In that case maybe finding some support from a counselor, spiritual leader, or other helping individual may be necessary.
Finally, we arrive at the point of practicing taking risks remembering what we learned in the discovery process. Remember, this is a lifelong journey, so leave any expectations of mastery and perfection at the door. As you engage in the practice of risk-taking, remember that taking risks is a privilege that, no matter what happens, the ability to take that risk is a joy and reward. Again, that does not mean there will not be a sting or consequence if the risk was not successful and that uncomfortable emotions need to be left unvalidated.
Best of luck to us all as we continue on our journey! We are on this journey together!
Person walking a tightrope across the water.
Take Action Today Moment:
Try the above process or find someone that can support you on your risk journey so that you are not on this journey alone. Support can help. No matter what route you take, invite self-compassion in the process.