Do I go with the apple or decide to try the pomegranate? Should I stay in to watch Netflix or go out with friends to see the latest and "greatest" horror flick? Why am I asking these questions?
We take risks everyday. In most cases, we don't even recognize that risk exists in our decision-making. Now some of the decisions above might not necessarily resonate as risks for some individuals, and that is okay! Whether professional or personal, I have really been examining how, why, and the importance of appropriate levels of risk taking recently. Through conversations with friends and colleagues, I have begun to realize the aversion to making difficult decisions to move forward. Whether it is a change in career, selecting a school or new job, or making a significant lifestyle alteration, a lot of thought goes into weighing out risks versus rewards. The fear of the unknown can heavily weigh in on one's decision to either maintain that current flow or seek change.
Over the past few years, I have really gotten involved with marketing and graphic design efforts. It has been a hobby of mine, as I have no formal training/schooling. Last semester, I saw a need to fill within our department and spoke with some individuals on the possibility of utilizing my skills within my current professional role. My idea was met with a mix of realism and optimism, but I ended up having the opportunity to design for various signature events, searches, and communities within the department. It have really been significantly happier in my role here, and a tiny part of that was due to me filling this need and contributing something in which I enjoy.
While not every risk will pan out, I do think that we need to take these bold moves in order to make changes. The change can be toward personal happiness and wellness. The change can be more professional in nature, leading one up the hierarchical ladder of an organization. We need to put our fears and natural tendency toward risk aversion aside for our personal or professional betterment. Now, some of you may be reading this and identifying selfish messages within this post. Through our own assessment of risk and reward, we (as individuals) are the ones who ultimately determine the outcomes. I am encouraging people to take risks, as there are no great changes or achievements without that push outside of one's own comfort zone.
T.S. Eliot stated, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." While I don't encourage everyone to adopt the motto, I think it is important to assess where we need that extra push to take a chance. In some cases, individuals may need that push to take risks and stand up for oneself professionally. In other cases, risks need to be taken in one's personal life. No matter where you stand, think about who you are and where you want to be. It is up to the individual in order to determine how we take risks in our own lives. This blog post isn't meant to teach; it is meant for us to personally reflect on how we show up and how we want to live our lives.
Does your current path align with the path to your future? Do I need to take that "leap of faith" to get there?
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