The Value of Risk-Taking

Risks are essence of life. In the beginning, they are our instinct. Risks are the essence of life. In the beginning, they are our instinct. We learn to crawl despite the bruises on our knees and elbows. We learn to walk despite the many falls we endure. But as we get older and gain a greater consciousness of the world around us, somewhere along the way we are presented with failure. At that point, we begin to fear the pain of failure and try to eliminate most risks from our life. However, where would we be without our sense of exploration, our willingness to and to try new things despite the pitfalls that await us? The saying goes, “No pain, no gain.” That attitude is characteristic of all great thinkers and innovators in our society.

It is easier to say than doing. I am also among people who are hesitant to take risks gladly. I usually stay in my comfort zone where I feel comfortable and easy. However I am constantly summoned to step outside of my comfort zone when I took Earlham Seminar “Who Dunnit?” In the first book assigned, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey instructed us how to be proactive by changing the way we see to the problems. Changing our perspective is taking a big risk for me. It is not easy to change our views of others in a moment. However, when I started to follow his instructions by seeing from different viewpoints, I begin to “see” more than I ever could. I become to see what others’ stand points and desires. When I see others’ weaknesses, I begin to see them with compassion, not judgments or accusations. I begins to see that the issue is not what they’re doing or should be doing. The issue is how I respond to the situation and what I should be doing. Paradigm shift taught ...

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... taking is often discouraged because of its unpredictability. Contrary to popular belief, not all risk taking is bad. The need for security is one of the things that keeps us from taking risks. We have a need, as human beings, to want to stick to the familiar and predictable. We like things we can control and know well. But, as Hellen Keller said: "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." I agree with Hellen on this issue. We have to take risks to open more paths to opportunities in life. We cannot hide in the shadow of illusive security and let life’s opportunities pass by. I believe risks, if taken with wit, are the best doors to the best opportunities available in your life.