Feel like you're constantly settling? That's probably because you are. Learn how calculated risk-taking can propel you into a more fulfilling future.
In his commencement address at Stanford University, Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
We all know that staying safe and doing the same thing we've always done won't create growth. But when it comes to business or our careers, how often do we really put this concept into practice?
It can be tempting to play it safe and stick to what we know in our personal and professional lives. After all, stepping into the unknown can be scary and uncertain, and our brains and bodies are hardwired to keep us safe and secure. But if you want to experience personal growth and professional success, stepping outside of the safe zone is absolutely critical.
Comfort is The Enemy
I'll be honest - I am a relatively risk-averse person. Like a lot of you, I prefer the safety of routine and familiarity. But as I've grown older and experienced more of what life has to offer, I've come to realize that taking risks can be incredibly rewarding.
From starting my own business, pivoting industries so I could increase my income, and even simply speaking up in meetings, I've found that the greatest growth and success come when I'm willing to take risks.
The Benefits of Risk-Taking
So what are some of the benefits of taking risks? First and foremost, risk-taking is an essential part of personal growth. When we step outside of our comfort zone, we learn new skills, gain confidence, and discover our own strengths and weaknesses. We also become more adaptable and resilient, which are essential qualities for navigating the ups and downs of life.
In the professional realm, taking calculated risks can lead to new opportunities and greater success. For example, starting your own business, asking for a promotion or raise, or pitching a new idea to your boss all require a willingness to take a chance. If you've done your research and understand how to address a problem that's genuinely worth solving, the reward on the other side of risk can be highly valuable. The payoff could be more income, more time off, increased job satisfaction, and career advancement.
Our Brains Hate Risk
But here's the problem. Our brains really hate risk. We're literally wired to avoid uncertainty and potential danger, and it's natural to feel anxious or nervous when stepping outside of our comfort zone.
Risky behavior can, in theory, lead to potential harm. The greater this risk appears as if it might have a negative impact on one of our basic human needs, the more likely we are to avoid it.
In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, scientists found that the amygdala, a region of the brain responsible for processing emotions, responds stronger to uncertain situations than to actual known risks.
This means that what your brain doesn't know seems scarier than what it does know! And since the unknown is scary, that's the last place it wants to go.
How to Get Comfortable Taking Risks
This, however, is where mental and physical fitness comes into play. By developing a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we are taking small, calculated risks that can build the resilience and confidence we need to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Here are a few practical tips to get comfortable taking risks and embracing personal growth:
Start With Small Risks
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Taking risks doesn't have to mean skydiving out of a plane or storming into the office and shouting, "I quit!" Start with smaller, more manageable risks - like speaking up in a meeting or trying a new hobby - and work your way up to bigger challenges. By taking small risks and seeing positive results, you'll build confidence and develop the courage to take on bigger challenges.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking risks can feel stressful, so make sure you're taking care of yourself mentally and physically. This might mean starting a mindfulness practice, turning off your electronic devices earlier so you can get more sleep, or taking breaks during the day when you need them. Taking care of yourself and your emotional needs will help you stay calm and focused when facing challenging situations.
Create a Support System
Having a supportive network of friends and family can make a huge difference when it comes to taking risks. Seek out people who believe in you and your potential, and who can offer encouragement and advice when you need it.
Lean Into Failure
Not every risk will pay off, and that's entirely okay. When we learn to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process, it will help us bounce back stronger and more resilient than we were before we tried. If something doesn't work out the way you planned, instead of putting yourself down or getting upset, take the time to reflect on what you learned and try to look for ways to improve for next time.
Make a Step-by-Step Plan
Before taking a risk, set clear goals and make a plan for how you'll achieve them. Having a plan in place to get you from where you are now to your goal can help you feel more prepared and confident. Break down bigger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Give Yourself Micro Wins
If you're a highly risk-averse person, you can work on even smaller challenges to build courage and train your brain to get out of its comfort zone. You can do things like:
Train Your Brain Instead of Your Brain Training You
Taking risks requires us to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to problems. By training our brains to take risks, we become more comfortable with uncertainty and are more likely to generate creative ideas.
Risk-taking can also build confidence in our own abilities and develop a sense of self-efficacy. This can spill over into other areas of our lives, leading to greater success and satisfaction.
At the end of the day, taking risks is all about embracing the unknown and pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself.
So the next time you feel like you're settling or stuck in a rut, think of it as your brain and body signaling that it's time for a change.
And if you're willing to take a risk, it might just lead you to your next big opportunity!
If we haven’t met before, welcome! I’m an expertbusiness and personal brand strategistbased in sunny Winter Park, Florida along with my husband Kevin and our two Schnauzers, Kala and Zeke.
For over a decade, I’ve used brand communications and customer-focused sales strategies to help 7 and 8-figure business leaders be seen as leaders and scale.
If you'd like to learn how better brand communications can help your business or personal brand, email my team for a complimentary consultation or drop me a DM here on LinkedIn.
