The Power of Taking Risks on Purpose

A lot of people are averse to risk. They avoid it at all costs, and it contributes to a fearful life. Risk has challenges and rewards and taking risks could be all that’s between you and a brave mindset.  Taking risks on purpose makes you bulletproof and less fearful.

Taking risks helps…

• Build resiliency 

• Reduce fear of failure 

• Creates coping skills  

And 

• Teaches new tools 

Taking risks requires you to step out in faith and sometimes gamble that things will go your way. Sure, you can calculate the level of risk, but sometimes there aren’t any guarantees. The fact is, some things require great risk but come with great reward.  

Learning to take risks doesn’t have to be overwhelming

Start with something small that doesn’t have a great impact if things don’t work out. From asking someone on a date to trying a new food. If things don’t work, you’re not any worse for trying.

Pay attention to how you feel when you decide to take a risk.

Do you feel… 

• Nervous?

• Exhilarated?

• Scared?

• Excited?

Your emotions will give you a clue to your body’s response to taking risk. If you are fearful, the smaller risks you take the more you can experience the benefits and deficits that come up. You can easily adjust your risks to be more or less risky.  Like anything new, the more often you take risks, the more comfortable you can expect to become with them. You may even come to appreciate the challenge.

Taking risks is sure to end with some awesome opportunities and results

Be sure to celebrate the things that go right and allow them to reinforce the benefits of taking risks rather than focusing on the opportunities for things to go wrong. Over time you’ll be smarter and better able to gauge risks worth taking rather than risks worth avoiding.  

Taking risks may not feel normal

The world might seem safer and more controlled when you stay small and play it safe. It’s wonderful to experience risk and see what amazing things can come your way by stepping out of your comfort zone and getting some big wins. The losses can be great teachers and help you build your courage and resiliency.

Taking risk can be well worth the reward and shouldn’t be avoided entirely. Step out in courage and faith and take some risks and see what happens.