Finding Possibilities Outside of Your Comfort

“Risk” is a loaded word. If you look at the various definitions for “risk” in Merriam-Webster, they’re not painted in a positive light. For example, “risk” is defined as “possibility of loss or injury: peril” and “someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.” Synonyms of “risk” include “threat,” “danger,” and “menace.” Oof. It’s no wonder this word carries negative connotations for us.

Based on the above definitions, whenever someone takes a risk, it’s implied they don’t think through their actions or are purposely reckless. So, why bother venturing outside your safe space when the alternative is unappealing?

Robert Herjavec, a Croatian-Canadian businessman, TV personality, and investor, shared something on LinkedIn that’ll change your perspective on risks. He said, “Calculated risks are good risks. Take a chance on yourself! You never know what’s possible. … The more you avoid risk, the less likely you’ll achieve all possible within your own capabilities.”

I have a personal relationship with taking calculated risks. In fact, they’ve bled into my business as well. After studying in London for a semester in college, I felt like I could conquer the world. It was super empowering. But the next risk I took really altered the course of my life: driving cross-country from New York to San Francisco with only the stuff in my car and little money to my name.

When I arrived in California, I was fortunate to have a couch to crash on for a few months. I survived on pasta until I secured work. First, I applied for a job that was considered the “holy grail” of what I wanted to do – designing paper products, gift cards, and wrapping paper. I thought I didn’t get it, but as it turned out, they were trying to contact me the whole time. After that, I took another risk with a different job and called them when I hadn’t heard back. Thankfully, the risk paid off – I got that job, too.

The moral of the story? Despite feeling like I was in this terrifying limbo when I made it to California, the risks I took to get there changed my life! So, take risks. Even if you fall flat on your face, there’s still a valuable lesson to glean from that experience. If you don’t give yourself those opportunities to grow, to color outside the lines, you won’t know about the wonderful possibilities waiting for you around the corner. You also won’t evolve – you’ll stay stagnant. Who wants that for their life?

On that same note, you’ll always wonder, “What if?” if you never try. You won’t know what you can or how it feels to use your full potential. 

As Herjavec says, it’s essential to take a chance on yourself. Jumping into a calculated risk with both feet is self-love. It’s testing the waters to see what’s possible for you and your life. While the safety of what you know might be more alluring, you’ll remain rooted in the same old, same old without taking advantage of your gifts.

So, take a risk – the good kind. You’ll find endless possibilities outside of your comfort zone.