RISK

Recently I was interviewed for an article in Brilliant Results Magazine. Here is one question of many that was asked of me and it is the essence of my book, Time-Out! Winning Strategies for Playing a Bigger Game in Life.

BR: In your book you talk about the value of taking risks, can you elaborate on that and how it can help in making quality decisions?

TH: Sure thing. If you look up in the dictionary, you’ll find the definition of the word risk very daunting. In Miriam-Webster’s dictionary, risk is defined as the possibility of loss or injury, a dangerous element or factor, to expose to hazard or danger. In other words, it is the opposite of safety and comfort! Please re-read the definitions again. It is “a possibility of loss or injury, a dangerous element or factor, an exposure to hazard or danger.” It’s a possibility, an element, an exposure. It is the unknown of taking risks that leaves us feeling afraid, vulnerable or hesitant.

The word risk is actually very scary and unappealing. And as many of us heard growing up when we wanted to do something different or do something never done before aka “take a risk,” we heard things like, “be careful, watch out, don’t hurt yourself,” etc. So there is a belief growing up that when taking risks you must be careful because you do not know what the outcome might be. As an adult then, taking risks many times feels uncomfortable, scary, lonely, nausea, dumb, etc. which are all feelings you experience when you are way outside your comfort zone. And it’s outside your comfort zone where all your goals and dreams exist. So the importance and value of taking risks is simply it’s the doorway to achieving everything you want. In my book, I redefine risk as an element of the unknown that establishes the possibility of achievement. It’s just part of the equation like 1+ 2 = 3. 1 being where you’re at, 2 being taking risks and 3 is achievement of what you want.

Without taking risks, you’ll always get what you’ve always had, why, because what you have in life is inside your comfort zone and everything you still want in life is outside your comfort. Taking risks that neither physically harm you or someone else, is essential to achieving all your goals and dreams. We must change our thinking around this word called risk!

My challenge to you today is, what risks will you take on a daily basis to move outside your comfort zone to achieve your goals and dreams?

Embrace Risk, Embrace Success in 2010 – Tom

To learn more about risk, go to http://www.TomHaupt.com 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 or trainings, go to http://www.TomHaupt.com.

7 Responsesto “RISK”

1. Lisa Raymond says:

   August 24, 2010 at 2:11 am

   Great post, Tom! It’s hard for many of us to step out of our comfort zones into the unknown. It’s wonderful to hear it’s only scary if we don’t try. That’s called risk!

   Reply
2. Melissa says:

   August 24, 2010 at 2:22 am

   Great blog Tom. Your message about risk is unique and extraordinary. I like how you challenged the reader to take a risk today to get outside one’s comfort zone. If that is where my dreams and goals are (and I absolutely believe that’s where they are) then I must get uncomfortable constantly!

   Time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

   Reply
3. Patrick Dean says:

   August 24, 2010 at 1:47 pm

   Very simple and elegant explanation of risk as a doorway to achievement. Tom, you obviously have a commitment to people’s achieving their dreams. In these times it is important to have a person out there with the knowledge and belief that we can create a positive future for ourselves. Keep up the good work and I will look forward to future posts.

   Reply
4. Dan Dorr says:

   August 25, 2010 at 3:12 am

   Tom, right on and hits straight home to the point. Always great stuff!

   Reply
5. Sue Raven says:

   August 28, 2010 at 8:17 am

   Awesome Blog, just what I needed to here again take a risk as it has huge possablities

   Reply
6. Lloyd Stansell says:

   November 21, 2010 at 7:33 pm

   You are an incredible Human Being. Knowing you personally has become a joy to my heart. A bright future is unfolding… the crest of the wave is very comfortable and exciting.
   God Bless you, Brother.
   Lloyd

   Reply
7. Tom Haupt says:

   November 23, 2010 at 12:15 pm

   Lloyd-Thank you for your kind words. I too have enjoyed meeting you and I appreciate your friendship! The future IS exciting!!!!
   Love ya brother – Tom

   Reply