Why Should We Take Risks? (And How to Become a Risk-Taker?)

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and did something that you use to believe was not your cup of tea? While it’s tempting to stick to our routines, it can often lead to regrets later in life – whether that’s opportunities ignored, romances unpersuaded or words left unsaid. But a life without risks is a life unlived.

Why should we take risks?

10,000 years ago – our ancestors were hunters and gatherers, risking life and limb in search of food or warding off predators.

Any action with the possibility of failure is a risk and people need the freedom to test boundaries in a safe environment, as these experiences will inform the rest of their lives. It is risk-taking that reduces us to our essential selves; cultivating the values that define who we are. Great people take risks because they believe in overcoming the odds, no matter how slim the possibility for success may be. It is this belief that grants them success and makes them ‘great‘.

How to become a risk-taker?

Believe In Yourself Until You Make It.

Seeming is being, so believe in yourself and it will become self actualising. Rather than being your own worst critic, replace negative thinking with positive statements, for example “I can do this.”

Stop Catastrophizing.

It’s easy to become so obsessed with the potential outcomes that mundane tasks become life-changing events. Instead, view risks objectively and devise practical steps for when things go awry.

Set Yourself Some Goals.

Everyday life is filled with risks, whether that’s anxieties about confined spaces or talking to strangers. Each day, set yourself one goal, for example striking up a conversation, and reward yourself when you meet it.

Try a Sink or Swim Approach.

Don’t waste time debating whether to do something, just do it. Whether you succeed or you fail is irrelevant. You’ll quickly realise that the risk was never as great as your fears made it.

Risk Getting Turned Down.

Whether it’s a job application or asking someone out on a date, it’s only by taking a chance that you’ll know whether it was meant to be. If not, then dust yourself off and move on.

Learn To Fail, But Positively.

It might sound like a paradox, but the secret to success is failure. There’s always lessons to be learned when you make a mistake, so don’t let it put you off taking risks ever again as someone has rightly said that failures are the pillars of success.

Do Something Remarkable.

Think about something daring that you’ve always been curious about, but were too scared to do. Whether that’s skydiving, a solo trip around the world or just expressing yourself – take a risk.

Try Activities You Struggle With.

If we’re not good at something, then it’s only natural that we might avoid it. But by overcoming your limitations and acquiring new skills, you’ll actually improve your brain power and confidence.

Don’t Go In Alone.

To stay grounded, remember that you’re not alone. Friends, family and colleagues often struggle with similar issues, so you can provide one another with a support network to improve motivation.

Nothing in life is certain, so start taking risks, experimenting, accepting failures and learning from mistakes – you just might discover who you really are.

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