Risky Business

"The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That's the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead!" - General George S. Patton

Lately I've been thinking alot about taking risks. It's overwhelming and frightening but the potential for reward can be huge. Everyday, we take risks both big and small from deciding on a new flavored latte over your usual morning cup of joe to agreeing to a first date with a virtual stranger to quitting your job and pursuing alternative career goals. Many times, decisions are made after a careful analysis of the costs and benefits associated with each choice. What if I don't like the latte and end up half-asleep all morning until I can run out and get my normal coffee at lunch? What if it's amazing and I've been missing out on something all this time that I've been prudently sticking with the tried and true? 

Now, fortunately making  decisions on what beverage to order at your local cafe is not usually a choice that may or may not change your life. So what happens when you're faced with something bigger, something that actually does have the potential to significantly alter your life's trajectory? 

Change can be painful. The instinct to stick with what is known and understandable can be seen throughout history. In 1633, Galileo was placed under house arrest for the rest of his life for daring to challenge the notion that the sun revolved around the earth, a truth which is common knowledge today. What must have gone through his mind knowing that his public argument would not be met with kindness considering the religious climate of the day? My imagination gives rise to a man choosing to risk the wrath of the Catholic Church in favor of noble notions of furthering scientific knowledge. Great reward oftentimes demands great risks. Where would we be without the risk-takers of the past? Black Americans would still be standing on the bus or possibly we'd believe the world is still flat! 

Maybe your decisions aren't quite so world changing, but you can still take heart from the courage of those who have dared so much. Look to your families for examples of the risks they took (you just might be one of the rewards that resulted!) and don't forget to look also at your own past. What can you learn from the results of your own choices, whether positive or negative? 

Let me be clear, I'm not advocating for everyone to throw caution to the winds and forge ahead willy nilly into risk-taking territory. Even Christopher Columbus took precautions in his search for a New World. I am suggesting that you take a good hard look at the logistical pros and cons of making a choice while making sure to also check in on the emotional costs and benefits, and finally to believe in yourself no matter what choice you make. If in the end you decide it's the right time for you to take a chance, be prepared for the self-doubt that will inevitably come back to haunt you even when you're so sure you were right. That's the fear talking. Fear is a good thing, it motivates you to protect yourself, but if not controlled it can be a paralyzer. Accept the fear, look at it straight in the face, and remind yourself why you were so confident just a moment ago. Recite to yourself your strengths and talents and if that's not enough, find a friend to talk to or come back to this blog and reaffirm your resolve. Things may not always work out in the way you  want, but that might not be a bad thing! Whatever your choices, whatever your decisions, good luck and take good care.