I’m one of those guys that likes to take calculated risks. I don’t mind doing something crazy, as long as I’ve had a chance to think it through. I’ll go through the possible outcomes, the ramifications, calculate if it’s worth it, and then act accordingly.
There’s nothing wrong with this approach; it’s how God wired me. However, there can be some potential issues with this default. I can over think things and never get moving on anything. I can be so afraid of failure that I’m not willing to risk if it’s not a sure outcome in my favor.
I need help in adjusting my criteria for what’s worth the risk and what’s not. That’s why I need people in my life that don’t think like I do. I need people that take risks just because they “feel” like it’s a good idea; people that don’t base everything on logic and understanding.
Over the past year I’ve failed at more projects, timelines, and relationships than I have over any other year of my life. I can look at this and have it confirm why I don’t take risks and why I like to calculate everything I do. OR, I can look at what came out of this past year. Along with the many failures, this past year has been one containing the most growth, the most excitement, and the deepest relationships I’ve ever had.
I choose to look at the positive, because in my opinion it completely overshadows the failures that I’ve experienced. My advice for those of you like me: Get uncomfortable, surround yourself with people that don’t think like you, and take some risks together. What’s the alternative? Play it safe and not move on anything? That can’t be an option. Keep moving!
