2 Surprising Reasons Why People Don’t Take Risks
What is our motivation, or lack thereof, when it comes to risk? In this post,
let’s explore two reasons why people limit themselves, fail to take the leap
of faith, and leave their comfort zone.
By Jeff Moore
Our success, happiness, gratitude, and contribution come from our ability to grow and expand.
We cannot live our most fulfilling life if we do not take any risks.
If we don’t take risks we don’t grow. If we don’t grow we can never be at our best. And if we cannot show the world our best, we cannot be happy. True happiness is when we can show the world the best of ourselves on a daily basis.
Live large!
Life is easy when we play small. It is easy to do what everyone around you is doing. Playing it safe, staying in a box – you have heard the clichés. When we do not become our dreams, we actually get smaller.
Moreover, it is much more meaningful and difficult to live the large life we are destined to have. If we do not live out our dreams the whole world suffers – since each of us has something amazing to offer the world. Love it. Live it. Give it.
Why people don’t take risks and what we can do about it
So, why can’t we do it? Why can’t we take the leap? What is it that makes rediscovering who we always were and were always meant to be so challenging? Is there a reason we don’t take the risk to shed the layers?
Why can’t we take the risk to change careers or to fall in love? How about living in a foreign land? Or to start the business, non-profit, or enterprise of our dreams?
In my relatively young years, I have been blessed to have a depth of experience, including working with thousands of kids and hundreds of adults. I also constantly reflected on my own life and growth.
When we boil it down, kids and adults alike, don’t take the risk to go after our dreams and our highest, largest life because of two main reasons.
Reason #1: We don’t think we are good enough
We have spent too much time listening to our own doubts and the doubts of others. Think about how much time you have spent focusing on the obstacles instead of the goal. All that wasted time judging, evaluating, and attempting to control outside forces.
It feels impossible to get out of our own head, out of our own way. We have forgotten that we are great enough to make it happen with passion, persistence & faith. Believe.
Reason #2: We don’t t think we will be loved the same way, or loved enough
We are afraid that by making certain decisions we will lose the approval of the people closest to us. As we grow up we look for approval from parents, teachers, and friends. Our childhood is spent looking for the pat on the back. Then as adults, we do the same thing in the workplace.
Many of us grow up to become people pleasers and lose our sense of purpose in the process. We think that if we do certain things our family, friends, and coworkers will become disconnected or even think we are crazy. Yes, that might happen, especially initially.
A small number of family and friends might not understand or even think you are crazy, weird, and out there. Honestly, that’s ok! More people will be inspired.
Imagine all the people who will be inspired by your ability to make such a big decision. They will be inspired by your passion, fortitude, confidence, and belief. You might even spark an awakening within some of the people closest to you.
Your action of taking a risk and forging your own path might be just the spark they needed. Live your life as an example of someone who will not settle for less than what they are!
“Your life is your message, make it an inspiring one!” – Gandhi
As always, I hope this helps. Share this with your family, friends, and colleagues. Leave us some comments below about what held you back from taking risks. Or, share the story about a big risk that paid off! We want to hear all about your brave and courageous risks!