As one survey by the Bureau of the Census points out, "Change of all types--economic, social, cultural, technological and political--is occurring at an increasing rate. In some areas, it is not merely accelerating but exploding. The rapid rate of change shows no sign of slowing in our lifetime."
What this means to all of us is that, whether we are comfortable with it or not, we will be involved in risk-oriented decisions in our personal and professional lives from now on. And, as we are about to discover, risk is not the villain that the media have portrayed it to be. For you and me, as we pursue our goals, risk is a key ingredient to our achievement.
Many people envision a successful life as a secure one. However, nothing and no one can assure you of security. The only truly secure person is one lying horizontally, six feet underground. Life is inherently risky. Their is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that's the risk of doing nothing.
Doing nothing sets you up for entropy. Entropy leads to atrophied muscles, which are more easily injured and strained, and tissues without a sufficient supply of oxygen. Challenging yourself does for your brain and mind what exertion and activity do for your body. It forces oxygen through your blood vessels and keeps you alive. Most people rust out due to lack of challenge. Few people wear out due to overuse.
When I am caught in opportunity-stifling behavior, such as trying to live risk free, one of my favorite hiding places is procrastination. At the very root of procrastination is fear. It may be fear of failure, of not being able to succeed. Who doesn't want to put off failure until tomorrow?
Check the source of your motivation to reach your goals. What are the real benefits of achievement? Make certain you are not considering risking your future out of fear of some penalty or so you won't disappoint someone else. Also, be careful not to use money alone as a primary motivator. The best motivation is an inner force that inspires you to solve a problem, fill a need or do something truly excellent.
As you prepare to risk, incorporate yourself mentally. Begin to think of yourself as You, Inc., a company with one employee. Today, You, Inc., may contract its services to XYZ Corporation; tomorrow, it is likely to sell its services to a different organization. Incorporating yourself mentally doesn't mean you are any less loyal to your present employer. Loyalty and integrity are at the top of the list of importance. It does mean that you never confuse your personal long-term interest with your employer's.
As you risk, prepare to be criticized and second-guessed. Negative feedback may come from members of your own profession. It may come from your own company. It may come from the media. It may even come from your own family and friends. Expect it, but don't let it stop you.
Be prepared to sell your goals to an indifferent world. Don't expect other people to be excited and motivated about your goals and ideas. They won't, unless the idea solves their problem or creates an opportunity for them. They still won't, unless you sell them on the benefits.
Challenge your assumptions about risk taking. Interview risk takers about how they approach the issue. Learn how they measure the up side and down side and how they make the decision to move forward.
Understand that you don't have to take the full risk all at once. You can turn an avocation into a vocation gradually, after you have gotten all the bugs out of it. You can test market your goals on a limited basis. Take baby steps until you become surefooted.
Understand that you don't have to assume all the risk yourself. Partners or lenders can share risk. And the people you attract to share your dream can also.
Realize that you'll never feel completely prepared to take a big risk. But remember: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Those who have the ability to hang in there when the odds against them are great, the risk is intimidating and the road is uphill and long, apply what we call the "DOT Principle." DOT is an acronym for determination, optimism and toughness. Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks before you. Optimism gives you the energy boost and focuses your sights on reaching your goals, rather than wallowing in your setbacks. Toughness gives you the resilience to keep pressing on, even if your determination and optimism are lagging.
When you feel at risk, apply the DOT Principle. Ask yourself: "Do I have the DOT in the right place and right quantity? Do I have the determination, optimism and toughness to see this through to reach my goals?"
The person who will risk nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. Only a person who will risk becomes truly free.
* When you are preparing to take a risk, ask yourself what you fear most: failure or change. Then examine your deepest fear for ways to overcome it.
