Risk- are you willing to take it?
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Never stop learning. It’s one of the things that I’ve found along the way that, if we never stop learning, we never stop growing and expanding and in return- want to change and see progress. It’s when I stop reading, listening to mentors, podcasts, absorbing information that I get stuck- one day maybe not feeling like I’m enough, and the next not being able to see past my fears or getting in a rut in life and not using my potential. It’s also what makes us more willing to listen and learn from others around us- we’re open to learning more and realizing the more the learn- the more we have to learn.
Risk and goals. They go hand and hand and although for most of us, risk scares us- risk and courage it what it takes to achieve those goals, so you have to be willing to really dig down past the excuses and ask- are you willing to take risks for the goals you have for your future?
I read something that really resonated with me from the book High Performance Habits- and it’s when we’re accessing the next level of courage- He says- it requires a new degree of openness and honesty about who yo uare, what you want, and what you are capable of. All of this stands in your way is the fearful part of you that feels like minimizing yourself so you don’t make others feel bad or exposing too much of you- but that’s not humility. That’s lying about your real ambitions, it’s apologizing for the Gifts that God has blessed you with.
That literally made me say OOO outloud. Don’t we often minimazlie our capabilities, goals, dreams in order not to be too much- not to risk too much or make someone else feel like they’re not enough all claiming it’s humble to shrink ourselves. But dang when I read it’s lying about ambition and the gifts God has given to us, it really puts into perspective that- it’ just not humility, and we’re undermining those things we’re called to do. The things that make us feel on fire, that give us motivation, and often times, a sense of purpose.
Progress and goals always come with a price- and I think our society is less inclined to see that as PART of the success story- the struggle. We want a completely easy life and any obstacle is seen as a sign to quit. But any success- struggle, failure, tears, is part of it. It’s what MAKES success, it’s the finding along that way what works, discipline, dedication and helps mold out your why for your goals. Without struggle and avoiding it- leads to underdeveloped character and strength which are two ingredients for courage. (High performance habits)
"There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience and that is not learning from experience."
Courage comes in all forms and what might seem silly to post, bear your heart, start a book, business or social media- might be the thing that helps someone- and most the time that’s one of or part of our why for having something to deeply put on our hearts isn’t it?
Courage is doing the thing not without fear but does it anyway- and soon that fear goes away- it’s what helps overcome fear. You soon get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You only become fearless in something when you do it first with fear.
Don’t get me wrong- through my risks, hardships, failures- there’s tears, frustration, heartache- and although it may stop me for a day so I can regroup- it’s not what stops me from risking and continuing. It’s what made me better (although I admit I still have PLENTY to work on) softer, stronger, and wiser and always the willingness to learn/adapt/ and absorb more.
How can you realistically start take small risks?
Big risks start with small tasks for the most part. It’s setting realistic but challenging goals to lead up to the big goal. You’re probably not going to write a book in one sitting but you can challenge yourself to write everyday or start by writing blogs to get better. You’re not going to make a millions of dollars (well probably) at a first launch of a business or product but you can build up to that with smaller launches, products, marketing and development with specific plans.
1-Get your why down, your purpose- your drive.
2-Make realistic goals- write them down to accomplish. Cannot even begin to explain how important calendars and lists are- weekly check ins for yourself and seeing what progress has been made- tangibly. I’ve read over and again to start with accomplishing 5 things a day (you’ll have days where you’re doing 20) but at least do 5 to work on personal and business goals. Even as small as posting.
3-Get a mentor- someone you trust to hold you accountable
4-Dive into learning- read and read some more- listen to podcasts on the way to work, or audible books, absorb information on the topic you’re interested in and you’ll be motivated to continue and understand how to break it down into steps.
5-surround yourself with people and seek out people who are positive, have goals, and challenge themselves too.
6-Try something new every quarter- it doesn’t even have to be anything to do with your goals- I tried golfing this year, rock climbing, sailing, hiked in new places and each time- it stretched me, sometimes I got frustrated, tired, but it’s something about moving and developing that makes us more willing to embrace struggle.
Often times we have something BIG on our hearts and because it seems to big to do- we don’t do anything. But that’s not how we accomplish the big things. We must first get disciplined in the small tasks that build up to the big goal.
"You will never change your life, until you change something you do daily." John C. Maxwell (start with one of his books if you're not sure!)
