Taking Risks: An Empowering Tool To A Successful Life

My advice to anyone, whatever their field, is to never be afraid to chase a dream because of the risk of failure or ridicule. -Jayson Ares

Taking risks is an integral part of human life. Unfortunately, this is what most people try to avoid in life.

People do not take risks for a variety of reasons-an uncertain future, the fear of failure and being ridiculed as a result, the lack of preparation, not having the skills and knowledge and of cause the lack of confidence and faith in oneself. These people play it safe.

Non-risk takers often live with a lot of discomfort in their comfort zones. They want a better life but are too afraid to step out of their comfort zones.

As a result of their unwillingness to take risks, they have no option but to live with mediocrity. They become non-achievers or low achievers in life.

Friend, can you mention just one historical figure who made a mark in this world, who left his footprints on the sands of time, who was a world changer, who did not take risks? Successful people are risk takers.

If you want to reach your full potential in life, take risks. If you want to be a top achiever in life, take risks.

If you want to transform any area of your life, take risks. Risk taking is the true path to achieving success, peace, joy and happiness in life.

There are many things we are using today that have made life more comfortable. Think of electricity, fridge, TV, radio, computers, cell phones, sewing machine, airplane, air conditioners etc. The people behind these inventions took risks.

The Wright Brothers risked their lives to give us the aeroplane. Thomas Edison risked his life to give us the light bulb. Henry Ford took great risk to invent the automobile. The list could be endless.

I personally believe risk taking is part of God’s plan for our life. Risk-taking involves stepping out in faith.

When you take risks it is an acknowledgment that you are not alone, that the All-Powerful God is there to illuminate your path and order your steps.

Basic characteristics
Risk takers have certain basic characteristics. It is these features that separate them from the non-risk takers.

The people who take risks are not afraid of failure. They know that failure is part of the process for getting to the top. They know that success requires taking risks.

Taking risk does not mean plunging in without careful thoughts. They will think deeply about the problem, come up with a number of possible solutions, they weigh the options and make wise choices. This strategy minimizes risk and leads to success.

Risk takers believe in their talent and in their ability to make a breakthrough in their endeavours.

Your talent will be useless if in the process of using it you do not stretch beyond what is average or normal limits. Believing in your own abilities can bolster your confidence to get things done.

Fear affects our ability to do things. It can stop people in their tracks and hold them back from making the needed progress in life.

Risk takers are courageous. They will act on their plans in spite of fear. Being fearless can propel one to unbelievable heights of accomplishment and success.

They take a calculated risk based on a realistic assessment of the situation. Tony Clark said it best, “Fear is there to warn you of the risks, too often it becomes the reason not to do something. Sure, you need to heed the warnings and at the same time learn to measure the risk based on reality not imagination.”

Risk takers have an optimistic attitude that their efforts will yield the desired results. They do not engage in negative self-talk. They always speak success into their life.

Risk takers associate with like-minded people. Risk takers advise and encourage one another.

They are always there to cheer on their fellow risk takers. This is what gives them the confidence to wade into uncharted waters.

Risk takers see opportunities where others see problems. They believe there is a solution and focus on finding it. This causes their creative powers to come alive. Their personal power is enhanced in this direction.

Risk-taking involves challenging the status quo. They do not go with the crowd.

They have a deep-seated desire to stand out and make the difference. They do not follow the road beaten by others but their own or the one less traveled.

Miles Davis once noted, “Rekindle your spirit for risk-taking. Do not fear mistakes.” A common characteristic of risk takers is that they do not fear to make mistakes. They simply learn the lessons and move on.

Risk takers are teachable. They do a lot of learning to hone their skills.

They look for role models, mentors and teachers and learn from them. They are always prepared to learn something new.

Risk takers have faith in God. Ruben Barreto once remarked, “It’s worth taking a risk if motivated by faith in God’s word.”

But for his faith in God, David could never have defeated Goliath.

Peter said, “If that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come Peter.”

“Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.” (Matthew 14;28-29).

Faith enables people to do greater works. Peter could never have walked on the water without his faith in the Lord Jesus.

Risk taking can be dangerous if it is done thoughtlessly. However, it remains the main key for realizing our potential and achieving all of our goals in life. There is risk attached to every success we desire. You can’t achieve success without taking a risk.

Conclusion
My favourite quote to conclude this piece comes from David DeNotaris who said, “I do believe we must risk to dream, then risk to plan and then risk to act.” There is no other way.

Yours in inspiration,
ARK
Email: [email protected]
Cell:0208 455 296