Why You Need to Find Courage to Take Risks Today

Overcoming the fear of failure and taking a risk can be challenging. Here are some tips we could all read again.

If you want to make big moves in life, you have to take risks. But tossing familiarity aside and thinking outside the box can be difficult, and even scary. Yet, it is critical because this is often the only way to reach your career goals. Taking bold and decisive action at the right moment may be what separates you from living the life you want or one that is less than what you dream. Prepare to walk away from the security of the known and into the insecurity of the unknown – you might just find your happiness waiting for you there. 

Start small before you dream big. Risks are not “one size fits all” affairs. If you are not accustomed to taking any risks at all, then even a small risk may seem huge. First, think about what the risk is you are contemplating, and then measure that risk against reality. Will your business or livelihood go down the drain if you fail? Or is the risk in question a minor move? Understanding the difference can go a long way toward helping you decide just how cautious you need to be. The greater the potential downside of failure, the greater your preparation must be. Period. 

Discover your motivation. Finding the courage to make a big move often comes down to motivation. If you lack the courage to take the steps on your own, then you need to step back and consider what motivates you. Fully understanding what it is will help you look at the task ahead of you in a new light – whether it’s money, time with your family, a better job title, or a new corner office, there’s always a carrot dangling in front of you prompting you to take that risk. 

Know the consequences of inaction. You’ve weighed the pros and cons of taking your risk, but have you weighed the pros and cons of not taking it? The repercussions of not taking a bold stance are often more emotionally taxing than anything that could occur from unsuccessfully stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you take the risk, you can learn from your mistakes – if you don’t, you will spend the rest of your life wondering “what if?” Don’t become a victim – take action. 

Plan like crazy. Courage is all about confidence, and confidence is all about preparation. Once you know what the risk is that you need to take, plan out your next few steps. Figure out who you need to contact, skills you need to sharpen, classes you need to attend, etc. While these measures don’t guarantee success, they do guarantee you will approach your new venture with excitement. 

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach