On the Topic of Taking Risks

What is it that enables some folks to take big-time risks without becoming a nervous wreck? Taking risks in life isn’t easy, because there is always the possibility of loss involved. However, it doesn’t have to be a white-knuckle experience, either. So how can you take the anxiety out of risk-taking?

Well, first of all, you don’t take foolish risks. Take risks only when you believe that what you are going for will be better than what you already have. You won’t want to risk anything you can’t afford to lose, so a careful analysis – with eyes wide open – is only common sense.

Second, remind yourself that risk-taking is involved in everything worthwhile in life. Without taking risks, you can’t find true love, develop personal power, gain the respect of others or raise healthy, happy kids, for that matter.

Third, refrain from worrying excessively about the outcome. Instead, spend time imagining exactly how it will look and feel if things go just as you want them to. In other words, stay focused on what you have to gain, not what you have to lose.

Our experience in life is largely determined by where we choose to focus our attention. If you think loss, talk loss, see loss day after day, it is far more likely that you will end up with loss. On the other hand, if your purpose is worthy, your commitment strong, and your thoughts focused on a positive end-result, you will behave like a winner.

And whether or not any given risk pays off in the long run, if you behave like a winner you will be a winner in the only game that counts – the game of being the best you that you can be.