Take Risks: 2nd Key to Unlock Your Potential and Achieve Success

Have you ever been concerned about aging? becoming disabled, changing careers, asserting yourself, losing weight, dying, change, public speaking? I’d venture to say that most of us have experienced at least some level of concern or worry about the ‘what if’s’ of life.

One of my favorite authors of all times, Dr. Susan Jeffer on her book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, says that although it is natural for all humans to experience certain levels of fear when facing challenges or new situations, some push forward despite the uncomfortable feelings while others, stay stagnant afraid of failure, afraid of rejection, afraid of whatever outcomes.

You have probably heard the phrase “the only constant thing is change.” And that is because whether we like it or not, and whether we approve or not, changes will happen all around us. The one thing that can help with dealing with changes is first to acknowledge that change is opportunity and that taking risks are a sure way to move forward with life.

Taking risks very often implies getting outside of that comfort zone and seeing what else is out there and understandably, experimenting or being ‘out there’ is not comfortable for everyone. Experts agree that in order to minimize those fears the best recipe is to do things that will enhance your ability to ‘handle’ life. This is where the concept of taking risks come to play. If you are in a place where you don’t know how to move forward, there is possibly a hidden (or not so hidden) fear behind it all.

When it comes to taking risks, one of the neat things I’ve learned is that as long as I move forward with a goal or an action step, I feel victorious. Problems often come when there is lack of action, which feeds the insecurity which end up making you feel powerless. Instead, think that there is always a level of discomfort when you enter new territory. That is completely understandable and is important that we honor ourselves by acknowledging that.

The other thing I’ve learned (and this is neater even that the one above) is that we ALL experience a level of fear. Even famous artists, politicians and sport figures; at some point will feel that little butterfly in their stomach when there’s something big at stake. Again, what makes the difference is that some do not allow the fear or the feeling of discomfort from jumping in and doing it.
So if you are in a stagnant stage of your life; it is a good time to realize that “if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got.” It is time to step out of that comfort zone and take some risks. You can always start small; what matters is that you move forward. There is always that little voice telling you not to, but you have to learn to ignore it and push forward anyway. Think of the benefits. Think of how your life would be different. Start to create a vision where you are comfortable stepping into new situations; without fear, reservations and in full control. It is possible. Start with one step (or even baby step) today.

If you are stuck and unsure how to move forward; if you need an accountability partner or someone to help you find the vision and to create a doable plan that will help you achieve your goals; life coaching might be for you.
© 2010 Maria Martinez