A group of elderly people were asked what they would do differently if they had their lives to live over again. They would have.
- Taken more risks.
- Spent more time thinking about their lives.
- Done more things that would remain after they are gone.
They would have taken more risks
One of the greatest regrets in life can be those missed opportunities that we didn’t take or decisions that we didn’t make because of the risks involved. Let’s face it; most of us like living in the comfort zone. We often avoid risks because:
- Risks are risky. For something to be counted as a risk there needs to be something of value at stake. For example, starting a business may end in financial disaster or asking someone out on a date may end in rejection or embarrassment. It is often the fear of loss that holds us back from taking risks.
- Risks are unpredictable. Even when we have done our research, we never quite know how it will work out because often the results are out of our control.
- Risks attract criticism. Can’t you just hear someone saying “Why leave a secure safe job to do that?” Although we should listen to the warnings of wise people, we need to watch out that the negativity and small-mindedness of those around us who never take risks doesn’t put a wet blanket on our enthusiasm and dreams.
However, without risk taking…
- You’ll never know what might have happened. It’s a sad thing to go through life thinking about “what might have been” or “if only”.
- Life may be safe but it may lose its zing, challenge and sense of adventure. So many people work hard at making life safe, stable and predictable and then wonder why they are bored.
- New lands won’t be discovered. Discoveries and breakthroughs rarely come to those who are just sitting on the comfy couch or watching from the sidelines.
- You will not learn to grow and mature through defeat. Although things going badly may hurt and cost, there are valuable lessons to be learned and maturity to be gained.
- You will never savor the sweet taste of victory and success that comes after a large challenge has been met and conquered.
Are you going to be a risk taker in 2010?
What are some decisions that you have been putting off because of the fear of the unknown? Who or what is holding you back?
