No risk, no reward. That’s what they say, right? There are countless adages like this one that we take for granted everyday–adages we’d probably say we agreed with and kept as values. But for every little saying that suggests one route for life, there is always another. Sure, no risk, no reward; but what about “haste makes waste”, or “in the counsel of others, there is wisdom”? It’s not just that risk is great for your life. We need to take calculated, strategic risks in order to be successful, and if you’ve calculated and strategized, there’s a good possibility that you’re not being very risky.
So perhaps the popular definition of risk (“a situation involving exposure to danger”) isn’t really specific enough to provide any guidance in life. After all, driving to work exposes us to danger, and if that was making us wealthy rush hour would be much calmer as we all unwound in leather wrapped chambers of European luxury.
Risk, then, is probably more akin to the idea of “going for it” than it is to concepts of exposing oneself to danger. Sure, danger or adverse circumstances are bound to be a reality from time to time, but many of the world’s most successful businesses and individuals got where they are precisely because they avoided danger. It’s envisioning possibilities and acting on a well thought out, well advised plan that brings rewards. Unless you’re a stuntman.
So if you’re embracing the adage, “no risk, no reward” in 2011, you may want to do a little parsing on the meaning of risk. Spend your time searching for realistic opportunities that you can proactively take on. If you’re seeking out big risks in hopes of big rewards, you’re much more likely to find yourself with a pile of colossal failures on your hands than the one shot in a million. Take risks? Absolutely. But have a precise definition for what “risk” means, and a pragmatic strategy for turning calculated risks into highly probably successes.
For the comment board: What kind of risks are you taking in life? How’s that working out for you?
