I’ve always been passive. I don’t take risks. I sit back and I avoid confrontation. Lately, though, I’ve made some changes and I have started putting myself out there and taking some risks. Small risks, but for me they are definitely risks.
Take the Risk
So why should you take the risk? I have this quote hanging up in my bedroom as a reminder:
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Fear can be a great indicator of the emotional value of what’s at stake. In some cases the fear we are feeling is telling us to run in the other direction because there is an actual threat. Sometimes though, the thing we “fear” is the thing that is most important to us. Because once we have it, then what?
So what can happen when we take the risk? We might actually get what we want.
Now, I’m not advocating taking risks for the sake of taking a risk. If it’s not something that is important to you than don’t worry about it.
But take the risk when it comes to asking for what you want. The worst that could happen is that you get a ‘no’. Nobody ever died after hearing a no, despite how hard and devastating it might seem in the moment.
What kind of risks am I taking? I’m working on crushing some of my goals. I’ve signed up for several networking events and conferences throughout the rest of the year. I’ve also agreed to a couple of public speaking engagements to promote my mindfulness meditation coaching business.
Public speaking is something that used to fill me with fear and dread. Growing up I was SHY. Since starting a mindfulness practice I have learned how to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself. Now. I’m taking things to the next step and taking the risk.
I’m making new friends, and I’m being vulnerable and sharing more about myself and my thoughts and feelings. Taking these steps to share my story has been challenging but definitely rewarding at the same time.
Not all risks pay off in the moment. Maybe you ask for something or put yourself out there and you don’t get what you want. Which sucks. But you’ve learned that you can take the risk and survive. Which means that next time it will be that much easier.
What is something that you want but fear has been stopping you? A raise? A date with the cute boy or girl that you see at the coffee shop? Or maybe it’s starting the business that you know is what you are meant to be doing.
Take some time to really sit with what you want. Figure out what is stopping you and decide for yourself if it’s worth it to take the risk.
Let me know in the comments below what risks you are planning on taking this summer.
Thanks for stopping by!!
