The Magic Of Risk

Risk is an interesting concept. When therapists or social workers refer to people who are liable to get in trouble or be victimized they refer to them as "at risk". In this context risk is a bad thing. For our purpose today let's add the modifier
'calculated'. a calculated risk can bring great rewards. Always clinging to safety and the known can be dangerous. Change and venturing into the unknown is actually important in life. The first grader doesn't know what school will be like. The new hire doesn't know what the job will entail. The new bride or groom doesn't really have a handle on marriage. But the willingness to risk is needed to take any of these new roles on. I suggest that you look at the things that make risk less risky. Good health, preparation, a support system, good equipment if equipment is needed, a good plan, a contingency plan, clear understanding of the goal,the willingness to learn as you go and the ability to take risks. People who count too much on the supposed payoff of the risk will be devastated if the risk doesn't work out. You can build up your ability to take risks by taking small steps or risks. For example a writer will tell the story,write it over and over until it pleases herself, then share it with friends, then get it critiqued by other writers before ever submitting it to a publisher. She will also research the publisher to make sure that is a good fit. A mountain climber will climb easy mountains first. A lover feels out the beloved and has faith in the strength of the relationship before proposing. A businessperson makes sure there is a market for what he or she wants to sell before they open a store. Risk energizes and opens doors. Calculated risks can pay off well. Reach out to the energy of the magic that surrounds you and see if good risks are suggested to you. Then prepare and take them. May the spark be with you.