Did That Hit a Nerve?

Eleanor Roosevelt said "Do one thing every day that scares you."

Taking risks is scary because risk is all about doing what's uncomfortable. I believe that when we play it too safe we are not living up to our potential.  When we are safe we are comfortable. When we are comfortable we are not growing.

Fear has a way of keeping us up at night, turning our palms sweaty, and making our heart beat stronger. But it’s the risks in life that can lead to bigger rewards.  When you don’t frequently take risks, it's pretty uncomfortable to begin taking them. Like the person who doesn’t speak much in public and is terrified to be in front of a room. Or the person who is accustomed to the same routine day in and day out and is just fine with it thank you very much.

 

Think about the last time you took a risk…

• Talking to a stranger in the grocery store checkout line
• Speaking up in a crowded room at a seminar or conference
• Asking a client for a referral
• Asking a client for additional investible assets
• Calling a prospect who hasn't returned your 3^rd phone call
• Deciding to attend your first Toastmasters meeting
• Deciding to use public speaking as a marketing tactic
• Getting off your duff and cold calling to get new clients

Yes, when you take a risk there is the possibility that it won't work out. The client may say no. The prospect may answer the phone and ask you not to call back. But more often than not there will be a reward and a feeling of accomplishment.

The wonderful bonus when taking risks is that you can better handle uncertainty. You build up a thick skin and a motivation to succeed. Taking bigger risks in the stock market can lead to bigger gains; taking risks in your relationship with clients will produce bigger gains as well.

When was the last time you took a risk? If you're too comfortable it could be time for change…

Suzanne Muusers

Motivator and Risk Taker