When was the last time you risked something in life? If I was fronted with this question 3-4 years ago, I would struggle to come up with an answer. Perhaps similar to you, I used to approach situations and potential opportunities with a risk-averse mentality. I was reluctant to come out of my comfort zone for a simple reason: I was comfortable “being me.” However, I soon realized that being comfortable quite ironically began to feel uncomforting.
One of the most important lessons I have learned in life is that the one risk that should be avoided at all times is the risk of doing nothing. Without taking calculated risks and inherently experiencing life, it is tough to grow both in a professional and personal setting. Albeit not every risk taken will result in a positive outcome, but what it will undoubtedly result in is a positive experience.
Through the highs and lows of my twenty-six years of living, I have come up with what I believe are three risks that are worth taking in life.
Risk changing the present for the future
The past, present and future of our lives are in nobody’s hands aside from our very own. One of the most difficult things to do in life is to change the present in hopes for a better future. Simply put, many of us, including myself, may not know how to begin and/or what to change in the present. To add to the complexity, the risk of uncertainty relating to the future based on a change made in the present can be overwhelming for someone who is “comfortable” in the present. Sounds familiar?
But as we all know, with great risk comes great reward. If you feel like the goals you have set for yourself in the future cannot be met because of present conditions, take a leap of faith and commit to a plan of action. I have had to move from one country to another; one school to another and potentially from one professional role to another. The one constant in my life aside from my family has always been change and without both, I would not be the person I am today.
Risk losing and letting someone in your life
I have learned the most about myself through my relationships with both those that currently are and those that have been a part of my life. The people that you surround yourself with in the present will undoubtedly play a role in shaping your future.
One of the most difficult things I have had to do in my life was to let go of certain friends either by choice or by force. On the same token, one of the most difficult things I have gone through in life was to be let go by certain friends. In the quest of becoming better people and living happier lives, tough decisions need to be made. I have learned that I will always be directly accountable for my actions but can also directly account for the actions of others. If you feel like there are individuals in your life that are bringing you down and/or are slowing you from achieving your goals and deterring you from your values and beliefs, do not be afraid to let them go. If you are in the company of those that propel you towards achieving the latter, do not let them go.
Risk being uncomfortable
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Some of the most uncomfortable moments in my life have also been the most memorable. The reason why many of us are afraid to try new things and/or experiences is because we are afraid of the potential outcome. But what is the worst that can happen? You fail? You make a mistake? My biggest mistake out of the many I have made in my life is to not have made more mistakes. It is through my mistakes that I have learned who I truly am as a person, including my values, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses.
The next time you make a mistake, embrace it because it will only make you a better and stronger person if you learn from it. Success teaches nothing. Mistakes and failures teach everything. Overcoming the latter is true success and can only be achieved if you allow yourself to come out of your comfort zone and inherently experience life by living.
Through the highs and lows of my twenty-six years of living, I have come up with what I believe are three risks that are worth taking in life.
Risk changing the present for the future
The past, present and future of our lives are in nobody’s hands aside from our very own. One of the most difficult things to do in life is to change the present in hopes for a better future. Simply put, many of us, including myself, may not know how to begin and/or what to change in the present. To add to the complexity, the risk of uncertainty relating to the future based on a change made in the present can be overwhelming for someone who is “comfortable” in the present. Sounds familiar?
But as we all know, with great risk comes great reward. If you feel like the goals you have set for yourself in the future cannot be met because of present conditions, take a leap of faith and commit to a plan of action. I have had to move from one country to another; one school to another and potentially from one professional role to another. The one constant in my life aside from my family has always been change and without both, I would not be the person I am today.
Risk losing and letting someone in your life
I have learned the most about myself through my relationships with both those that currently are and those that have been a part of my life. The people that you surround yourself with in the present will undoubtedly play a role in shaping your future.
One of the most difficult things I have had to do in my life was to let go of certain friends either by choice or by force. On the same token, one of the most difficult things I have gone through in life was to be let go by certain friends. In the quest of becoming better people and living happier lives, tough decisions need to be made. I have learned that I will always be directly accountable for my actions but can also directly account for the actions of others. If you feel like there are individuals in your life that are bringing you down and/or are slowing you from achieving your goals and deterring you from your values and beliefs, do not be afraid to let them go. If you are in the company of those that propel you towards achieving the latter, do not let them go.
Risk being uncomfortable
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Some of the most uncomfortable moments in my life have also been the most memorable. The reason why many of us are afraid to try new things and/or experiences is because we are afraid of the potential outcome. But what is the worst that can happen? You fail? You make a mistake? My biggest mistake out of the many I have made in my life is to not have made more mistakes. It is through my mistakes that I have learned who I truly am as a person, including my values, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses.
The next time you make a mistake, embrace it because it will only make you a better and stronger person if you learn from it. Success teaches nothing. Mistakes and failures teach everything. Overcoming the latter is true success and can only be achieved if you allow yourself to come out of your comfort zone and inherently experience life by living.
