I took a risk, and I liked it
I’ve always been spontaneous, but never a risk-taker. I dislike roller coasters, fast cars, seeking thrills. I love pros and cons lists, talking errrrrythang out before I make decisions. Which is why I’m a little surprised at myself for taking such a big leap of faith recently. But I just knew if I didn’t, I would regret it.
Let’s take a step back shall we… About four months ago my little world changed a bit. I added a side business to my bustling full time career. Something I never thought I would do, but after a year spent basically in isolation, I was looking for a creative outlet and a new way to make meaningful connections (and the discount to the beautiful nails I was already buying didn’t hurt!)
Everything had been going perfectly according to plan. I was having fun and succeeding. That little spark of creativity had been lit once again and had carried back over into all aspects of my life. And I had made new friends - friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.
And then I was presented with another opportunity. A brand new company was opening its doors. This one in skincare and beauty - a perfect complement to the work I was currently doing, and an area where I have significant experience and background. But could I really take on something else? Plus, everything about this was an unknown. I hadn’t tried the products. No one has ever heard of the company. I didn’t even know anyone in it. How on earth could I possibly be entertaining this idea.
But I kept going back to the opportunity - the fact that it was unknown. How many times had I said, “Oh, I wish I had gotten in at the beginning,” of ANY of my jobs - corporate, or otherwise. And within 24 hours, this non risk-taker took a huge leap of faith.
Now one month in, my face is the softest, clearest and smoothest it has ever been, and I am JAZZED about the possibilities of what is to come. I’ve realized there is incredible power in taking risks. Once you get over the fear - the fear or rejection, of failure, of uncertainty, or loss - you’re left with only wins:
Boost Confidence, and Open Up Potential
By taking risks, you give yourself permission to try new things. To learn, to grow, to fall forward. It helps you test your limits and boundaries - and I can tell you from first hand experience, you will be surprised at how much farther you can go than you ever thought possible. By doing this, you naturally are going to build up your self-confidence!
Build Self-Trust
You naturally are going to balance the awareness that you’re taking a risk with some logic, and intuition in order to decide not only what is best for you - but what you can’t live without. (The “what ifs” will get you every time!) By taking action, aligned with your own internal GPS, you build a new level of trust in yourself… you learn to trust your gut! And that goes hand in hand with boosting self-confidence.
Know What You Want.. What You Really, Really Want
Risk-takers always know exactly what they want. It’s because taking risks makes you more consciously aware of exactly what’s important to you. As part of the decision process you have to identify what you are willing to lose, what you have to keep, and what you would love to have. All of that helps to empower you, and make you feel more in control.
Bring Excitement to Your LIfe
Probably the biggest thing for me that I’ve learned about the benefits of taking risks, is it adds color and spice to life. If we never took any risks at all, how boring would life be? It’s like the quote says:
“The biggest risk a person can take is to do nothing at all.”
It all really boils down to a little planning and a decision (quite the opposite of being spontaneous may I add). Though your hands may be a little clammy, your heart might be racing - ask yourself. What would happen if you didn’t take the chance? Would you regret it?
My advice, if your grappling with a decision, or trying to decide if an opportunity is right for you. Come from a place of faith in yourself, not from fear. Trust your gut, your intuition. You’d have no problem trusting an expert in the subject, right? Consider yourself an expert!
Remember you won’t have all the answers. You may never have them all. And that is ok. That is how life works. We take it one day at a time.
Lastly, if you take the leap, and things do not work as you had hoped, will not make you a failure. Just cut that word out of your vocabulary right now. The greatest leaders successes are built on piles and piles of ventures that didn’t work out right the first time. Remember that.