Embracing RISK is the Key to Achieving Greatness

(Excerpt from Time-Out!)

Stepping into and embracing RISK is the key to achieving greatness – the life you’ve only dreamed about. Taking risks is growth. It’s being and doing something different. It’s brainstorming new and different ideas. It’s making mistakes and not always looking good.  It’s the doorway to extraordinary. It’s getting comfortable with being uncomfortable!

Risk is nothing to be cautious, worried or intimidated by. It is just part of the process like getting dressed in the morning before you head out into the world. If you re-frame that paradigm, wouldn’t you then be excited about taking risks? Wouldn’t you then be making confident choices by taking risks and being on the other side of your comfort zone where all your huge goals and dreams are?

When you’re in the realm of possibility, anything is achievable. As mentioned in Chapter 7 of my book, probability thinking will not get the job done; it’s like an old pair of sneakers in your comfort zone. They feel good when you put them on and you know what to expect from them. They’re comfortable. Possibility thinking on the other hand is where you’ll find the latest and greatest styles and technology of sneakers. Although they may be a little uncomfortable at first, over time, they will support you on the court of life!

When you commit to huge goals and dreams, you will be challenged.  You’ll be challenged many times in your life in fact, and when you are, one of three things will most certainly happen.

1. You will face risk, stop and retreat to your comfort zone.
2. You will face risk, take it on, and still not accomplish your goals.
3. You will face risk, take it on, achieve your goals and dreams, and experience the extraordinary life you deserve!

The difference between the first scenario and the other two is when you retreat, you’re not only giving up on your dreams, but you’re creating a smaller comfort zone for yourself to live in. On the other hand, in the second and third scenarios, your comfort zone will grow and expand. Is it possible though to take on risk and still miss your intended target? Of course it is. However, is there personal and professional growth even when taking on risk and coming up short? Absolutely. It’s just simply like stretching before your workout. Any trainer will tell you that stretching may not feel comfortable; however it’s the best way to keep your body from injury.

When you take risks, growth is inevitable.  Growth leads to a different result than the one you currently have. And that’s the idea! Although the result you create may be different and not necessarily be the result you want, something different is outside the comfort zone. The alternative is scenario 1, in which you become a hamster on a wheel, doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.

Which is more scary – risk, or the guarantee of never achieving anything extraordinary in your life?

Embrace Risk, Embrace Success in 2010 – Tom

To learn more about taking risks and achieving personal mastery, go to http://www.TomHaupt.com/about-the-book and buy your copy of Time-Out! Winning Strategies for Playing a Bigger Game in Life today. Or to find out more about Tom Haupt, his presentations, consulting services, trainings or book, go to http://www.TomHaupt.com.