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Risk

Written by: Elizabeth Mullen

Article Overview: I hope this Idea of the Week finds you contemplating a risky decision, for this is the stuff that an extraordinary life is made from

Risk

I hope this Idea of the Week finds you contemplating a risky decision, for this is the stuff that an extraordinary life is made from.

We may have slowly been acculturated to believe that risk is a frightening thing. After all, it connotes the possibility of danger. Expressions like "fool to risk it all," and "risky business" pepper our speech. Some folks criticize those who DO risk, and lose, as if the alternate choice to remain in a "secure state" were somehow more noble.

In our consumer society, we may even be told that the only noble risk is a purchasing one. Stretching to buy something for the promise of an improved quality of life is so prevalent, that an entire multi-billion dollar industry of credit cards has built up around the seemingly "secure" person.

The truth is that none of us can maintain a steady state forever-- we must make decisions to move forward. Even if we were to try to "maintain," the normal changes of life will at some time bring challenges for us to face (whether natural disasters, death of loved ones, downsizing, delays or addictions...). Each of these challenges has within it the possibility for a true renewal, and greater fulfillment if we meet it head on.

Let's face it, a life spent trying "to maintain" takes an enormous amount of energy-- there are infinite detractors (not to mention consumer temptations) that would try to pull you off course. A life spent taking intelligent risks takes much less energy, and is often surprisingly supported by the external world. For example: think about the last time you had a clear feeling that it was time to move on from your job. Did you act on it? If you did, you are most likely in a profession that suits you much better and makes you more excited, more often. Do you remember those early days, when you had decided to leave, but didn't have anything else lined up? Perhaps some people in your life came through with connections....

What I want for you today is to begin to look for those risks you can take prior to the forced decisions of painful challenges. That is, spotting opportunities and acting toward their behalf. There are many reasons to do this, but most importantly, it is so that YOU are in the driver's seat of life, moving forward consciously toward greater happiness and deeper satisfaction. You will find that when you get good at making proactive decisions, you experience fewer forced challenges as well (or else your perspective shifts so that they feel much easier to deal with).

If you cannot relate to the example listed above, then I have a simple challenge for you. It is to consciously take a risk today. An intelligent risk. Find an area of your life where you've been 'maintaining' anything less than complete fulfillment, and make a decision to change it, right now. Be sure to notice your feeling of aliveness, your emotional state, and most definitely-- your results! Pay attention at what comes your way when you decide to take intelligent risk out of your scabbard and wield it with majesty.

For if there were anyone we could trust to make fine and noble decisions, it would be one such as you.

Related Articles
  MANAGING RISK
  Risk Assessment & Analysis Techniques
  If you are going to buy a business, you need to accept business risk.
  Peter Bernstein on Amaranth: Better to be Wrong Than Too Right
  RISKY BUSINESS

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