Risk It Or Lose It All

I read the following quote and had to agree with it. “When we stop taking risks we stop living” ~ Robin Sharma

There was a time in my life that I was reluctant taking risks on things that truly matters. I wasn’t a huge risk taker. I lived in the land of “what if.” Some of you were my neighbors. I remember seeing you while I was packing. Some of you helped me packed and wished me the best as I left, which I really appreciated. I now wish you too can leave that neighborhood. I have three questions listed below that I would like for you to wrestle with as you ponder your future.

For some of you who know me may not have know this about me. Why? Because the image I projected to you was almost the opposite. As you know, I do take risks but other kinds of risk. Bungee jumping. Extreme roller coaster and other rides. Speed. Thrill seeker. These are the areas of risk that I had no problem with.

However changing jobs, going back to school later in life, building new relationships, making myself vulnerable, taking a chance on an investment opportunity … these I didn’t do too well. I hid from them. I was afraid. I had a scarcity mindset that made me want to hold back; to hold onto.

Yet, I knew I had something of value inside of me that would be beneficial to others and myself. I was hiding the gifts, talents and resiliency in me. I was playing it safe or so I thought. Have you done that? Are you doing that?

It’s time to get over self like I had to. Life is risky.

Steve Goodier made the following statements on risk. He said:

• To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
• To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
• To place you ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk rejection.
• To love is to risk not being loved in return.
• To live is to risk dying.
• But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Those who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, and become nothing. They may avoid present suffering and sorrow, but they will not learn, feel, change, grow, love, or live.

Jesus told a story in Luke 19 about a king who had given some money to his servants and went away on a business trip. When he returned he called his servants to see how they had invested his money. The first and second guys doubled their amount. The third guy hid his in the ground because he was afraid to take the risk; he was keeping or playing it “safe”.

The king ordered the other servants to take away the amount he had been given and give it to the one who had doubled his money. Then the king made this incredible statement: “… from those who do (risk) nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”

What are you hiding? Why are you hiding it? Are you afraid like I was?

3 questions that could be helpful:

1. What’s the worst thing that can happen?
2. If it did, what could you do about it?
3. What might happen if you never take the risk?

What are your thoughts on risk taking? Share with this community so we all can learn from each other. You may also have additional questions that could be asked. Comment in the box below now.