Most aspects of life hinge on our ability to take calculated risks. The growth and prosperity of entire countries, governments, and even civilizations depend on it.
Universities encourage students to devise innovative ways to solve problems and think outside the box. They’re taught that those who take risks are the ones who ultimately reap the highest of rewards.
However, our minds typically associate risks with the fear of failure and uncertainty. We grow weary of being judged and criticized, which affects our ego and deflates our self-esteem.
If this is the case, then why are people still taking risks?
For several reasons, but the most important is that taking risks is a positive learning experience. Think of it like this: if you take a risk and fail, you’ll learn something. And if you don’t fail, you’ll have achieved what you set out to do.
Yet, it becomes much more challenging to put these ideas into action because we tend to fear the unknown that comes with risk-taking.
If this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we rounded up five reasons why people fear taking risks that they should be taking to help them grow and prosper:
Fear
Fear is the top reason why we dislike taking risks. After all, no one wants to throw their comfort zone into disarray on purpose.
So, why are there people who still manage to do it with such panache? Are they more fearless and courageous than everyone else?
Unlikely. They do, however, have purpose.
In other words, those who take risks are just as afraid and anxious as everyone else. The difference is that they have the skill set that allows them to rise above their fears. They take a leap of faith and hope that everything will work out in the end.
Uncertainty
Why does the idea of change often evoke troubling images and difficult times?
Because we don’t like it when we’re not in control. And with change, we don’t know what’s coming or how we should respond.
For many, having to diminish their willpower and release their control is downright petrifying!
However, life as a whole is a series of risks that we take on a regular basis. They’re essential to living a happy, successful life and achieving your short- and long-term goals.
Judgment
Even though taking risks comes with many advantages, it also has a few downsides. One is that you could be exposed to rejection and harsh criticism.
So, rather than risk losing confidence in our decision-making ability. As a result, it can cause us to have a poor self-image and could even lose the respect of our peers.
The most effective way to counterbalance this is to start small. This will allow you to gradually build your confidence and learn new skills at your own pace. Also, taking small risks can help reduce your anxiety and fear of rejection.
Regret
Sometimes it feels that taking risks comes at a too-steep price. If we’re not equipped with the right tools to deal with these potential outcomes, we feel anxious and fearful. A common example of this is regret.
We know all too well how remorse, shame, and guilt feel like. That’s why we try to stay away from these intense feelings as much as we can. So, rather than make a decision that we later regret, we choose to do nothing instead.
Unfortunately, doing nothing reduces the chance of achieving great things and reaching high levels of success.
Failure
Unfortunately, our teaching and upbringing go against the idea that failure can be a ‘blessing in disguise.’ It makes us stronger, more resilient, and less fearful.
Growing up, we’re taught to believe that we need to make as few mistakes as possible. We’re told that this will help us get good grades, which will set us on the path to a successful and lucrative career.
However, this system is counterintuitive to living a fulfilling, well-balanced lifestyle. After all, a huge part of this fulfillment and balance is achieved after experiencing one or two failures. And since failure is always a possibility when it comes to taking risks, then we should learn to see it as a good thing rather than a deterrent.
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