Do We Ever Need To Take Risks?

Did you know risk-taking is all about survival? When we're ready to take some risks - in any kind of situation - our brains are the control center, constantly evaluating potential threats versus safety. So it only makes sense that some people seem hardwired to play it safe, right? Our ancestors who were cautious and avoided risks were more likely to stay alive and pass on their genes. So, in a way, we're programmed to be risk-averse.

Innate instinct? Perhaps. But also past experiences, especially negative ones, teach us what to avoid in the future. If you've ever been burned—figuratively or literally—you know you're going to think twice before making a similar choice again. It's a natural protection mechanism. Add to that the cultural and societal influences that surround us. Depending on where and how we were raised, taking risks might be discouraged or encouraged.

This is how our modern lives are organized, isn't it? Our environments are more predictable than ever, and many of us work and live in systems that prize certainty over uncertainty. That preference for predictability can shape our behavior in ways we don't always realize.

In my opinion, recognizing these factors is the first step in understanding our relationship with risk. Once we're aware of them, we can start to question whether they serve our current goals and aspirations, or if they're just holding us back.

If you want to grow and evolve, it's important to scrutinize what's keeping you in your comfort zone. That's going to include examining the concepts of 'loss aversion' and 'status quo bias', which I'll dive into in the next section. Are they just a safety net, or are they trapping you in a space that no longer fits?

Why We Stick to What We Know

Let's face it, there's something undeniably reassuring about staying within the realms of what we're familiar with. The daily routines, the well-trodden paths, and the decisions that don't make our hearts race with uncertainty. This is a habit as well as the cognitive bias known as 'loss aversion.'

In behavioral economics, loss aversion refers to the tendency to prefer avoiding losses rather than acquiring equivalent gains. It's the reason why the fear of losing $50 weighs more heavily on our minds than the excitement of potentially winning $50. This principle shows up in our lives more often than we might realize. It's like we're psychologically wired to prefer the comfort of what we've got over the potential to gain something better, just because we dread the thought of coming out behind.

The Impact of Routine and Predictability

Routine. And predictability. They both provide a sense of security, don't they? When we know what to expect, we feel in control - or at least we think we do. This desire for control solidifies our 'status quo bias,' which is essentially our preference to keep things as they are because changing things up incurs a perceived risk.

If I'm going to be brutally honest, status quo bias is good and bad. Because while it can protect us from erratic decisions, it can also be the very thing holding us back from experiencing new heights. This tendency to avoid disruption can stop us from asking for that promotion, moving to a new city, or even trying a new coffee blend (despite that enticing aroma from the coffee shop across the street).

Choosing to overcome these inherent inclinations can pave the way for growth and personal achievement. But how do we break the cycle of comfort to love the unknown and potentially stumble upon greatness? Well, it all starts with understanding and then countering the fear that glues us to the predictable - the fear of failure.

Fear of Failure: A Barrier to Taking Chances

I'm going to let you in on a not-so-secret truth: one of the major reasons we shy away from taking risks is the dread of failure. It's that unpleasant feeling in the pit of your stomach when you think about what could go wrong, rather than right. The fear of failure can close doors before they even open, leading to a host of missed opportunities that could enrich our lives.

Now, why do we often let fear dictate our actions? It's partly because failing hurts. The sting of not succeeding can bruise the ego and, depending on how we're wired, either discourage us from trying again or fuel us to push forward. The difference often lies in one's self-esteem. If you've got a nurturing inner voice that picks you up when you stumble, you're more likely to see failure as a learning experience. Conversely, if that inner voice is overly critical, you might find that the fear of making a mistake keeps you from venturing out of your comfort zone.

Internal Dialogue and Mindset We Adopt

Are you familiar with the concept of a 'growth mindset'? If not, here's a crash course: a growth mindset is the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It's the antithesis of a 'fixed mindset,' where you believe your abilities are static and unchangeable. By fostering a growth mindset, you can become more resilient to failure and view it as a stepping stone rather than an insurmountable obstacle.

If you want to dip your toes into the world of risk without being paralyzed by the fear of failure, start by re-defining failure itself. Instead of viewing it as a negative outcome, consider it a necessary part of growth and innovation. We change how we perceive failure, then we can alter our emotional reaction to it and make taking risks a less intimidating endeavor.

You can always adjust your approach down the road, but first, you have to take that initial step. Remember, your first attempt doesn't need to be your last. There's a lot of opportunity in persistence, and every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes.' Once you begin to see failure as a platform for growth, you'll find that it's a lot less scary to take that leap of faith.

Social Judgments

Have you ever wondered if our hesitation to take risks could be influenced by those around us? Well, in many cases, they are. The fear of social rejection looms large in our minds, perhaps larger than we'd like to admit. It's this very fear that governs many of the choices we make, swaying us to opt for the path of least resistance, and the one less likely to ruffle feathers in our social circles.

Peer pressure isn't just a phenomenon we leave behind in adolescence; it follows us into adulthood. Wanting to fit in, to be part of a tribe, is encoded deep in our DNA. You should be a hardwired human need for acceptance and the worry about the consequences of stepping out of line. Choosing something you love might sometimes mean walking a path others haven't trodden, and that's intimidating.

So here's a picture of how that plays out: you might pass up a career advancement opportunity because it involves more public speaking, and you're afraid of being judged for your speaking skills. Or perhaps you dodge relationships because you're anxious about being evaluated as a partner. These are the everyday implications of fearing social scrutiny. Choosing the familiar, while comforting, can also prevent us from exploring the fruitful avenues of personal and professional life.

The trick to overcoming this isn't to shun society or disregard the opinions of others completely - that's not realistic, nor is it beneficial. Instead, I'm going to talk about striking a balance by anchoring our self-worth so firmly within ourselves that while we consider input from others, we don't let it dictate our vital life choices. We recognize when the fear of judgment is holding us back and dare to be discerning about whose opinions truly matter.

Courage to Take Risks

I'm going to help you understand how to build your resilience and find the courage to take risks. You step out of your comfort zone in increments. You don't have to leap; just take one small step at a time.

Choose something that you cannot stop thinking about when you're ready to take a chance. Whether it's a new hobby, a career move, or just speaking your mind, start with what feels slightly uncomfortable yet exciting.

I'm here to remind you that risk-taking is essential for personal development. Each small, calculated risk prepares you for bigger challenges, leading to growth and practicing.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to encourage risk-taking is to surround yourself with stories of people who have successfully navigated risks. Their journeys can be incredibly motivating and show you the potential rewards that lie on the other side of fear.

If you want to transform your life, you're going to have to take some risks. But remember, your first attempt doesn't need to be your last. You can always adjust your approach down the road.

Just don't focus too much on perfection. Love learning and know that with each step, you're getting stronger and more capable of handling what life throws at you.

I really hope that you find the inspiration to break the chains of risk aversion and step into a world of new possibilities. Your journey toward taking more risks starts with believing in yourself.