UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Risks You Should Take In Life
TOP TIPS
Not many of us enjoy taking risks. Often, we let fear stop us. Some risks are worth taking, though! They can enrich our lives and lead us toward happiness and enjoyment. Here are some risks that you should consider taking in your life.
1 – Travel Somewhere Out of Your Comfort Zone
Spending a week in an all-inclusive resort is wonderful, but does it challenge or change you? Consider taking a trip somewhere outside of your comfort zone. It will open you up to new experiences and a new perspective on life.
2 – Say “No” Even If It Scares You
It is easy to say “yes” when someone important asks us for something. However, if this request is holding you back from your goals, you need to say “no.” Saying “no” is scary because you never want to disappoint someone, but most people will understand and respect your boundaries.
3 – Go For It – Start That Business
Many people dream of starting a business; few will do it. Why not be one of the few who do? Yeah, you might fail, but the lessons you learn along the way will be invaluable. Plus, if you succeed, you get to work for yourself.
4 – Getting Turned Down
So often, we don’t ask for what we want because we are afraid to get turned down. A “no” can’t really hurt us, though. What hurts is not getting what we desire because we are too afraid to ask for it.
5 – Caring Deeply About Someone Else
It can be scary to fall truly and deeply in love. This is especially true if you were burned in the past. Finding your “soulmate” can make this journey through life so much more enjoyable. Don’t pass up on that because you are scared of getting hurt.
6 – Be Your True Self
This may not seem like a “risk,” but many of us act differently than we feel. We create a facade so that we can fit in. Drop the facade and act like your authentic self. If people don’t like it, so be it.
7 – Be Honest In Difficult Situations
Honesty is important in our relationships, but sometimes it can be scary. Telling someone something when you aren’t sure how they will react is terrifying, but you owe it to both of you to do it.
8 – Going Against The Grain
It’s much easier to flow with the general consensus and societal norms. However, what if in your heart of hearts you don’t believe in them? Don’t be afraid to blaze your own path, even if that means doing things differently than everyone else.
9 – Letting Go
Whether it is a relationship, job, or toxic family member, sometimes we need to “let go” and move on. It can be scary because this usually means starting over in some way. While it might be painful initially, it will be worth it in the long run.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Brainstorm a list of things you want to do but are afraid to take the risk. There are no wrong answers here. Get it all down.
2 – Choose one risk to take and do it this week. Start with something small so you can build momentum.
3 – Reflect on how taking that risk worked out. Was it less scary than you thought? Were the benefits worth it? What might you do differently next time?
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
