I’ve never been much of a risk-taker. I don’t dive head first into things and I prefer to have a plan (or at least a rough outline) before I take a chance. Not surprising, right? I assume a lot of people are like this. We like comfort, we like what we know.
Lately I’ve been thinking about the positives and negatives of being cautious, in life, exercise, relationships, etc.
The good:
-You can make well-thought out decisions and prepare (as much as you can) for the outcomes
-You reduce the risk of unfavorable consequences
-You probably feel more at ease in your actions
On the other hand…
The bad:
-You might be too slow at making decisions that you never actually make one
-You can overthink a simple situation and blow it out of proportion (aka overreacting)
-You get stuck in your comfort zone and prevent yourself from growing, learning and excelling
A big theme in my life right now is learning when it’s OK to be cautious and when I should take risks. Do I have to choose one or the other? Do cautious-risks exist?
We all know the quotes about leaving our comfort zone and taking chances. Truthfully, some of the best things that have happened to me have been a result of risks. However, many have happened as result of careful decisions. The fact that there’s no concrete formula for life (or for anything, really) confuses, irks and excites me at the same time. In both small and profound aspects I struggle with when to take risks…
I don’t know if I should add more salt to the dish, I might ruin it and make it too salty.
I can’t tell if I’m feeling phantom pains or if I’m really injured. I probably shouldn’t run at all. (See: last weekend)
This job might be a really good fit, but I don’t want to jump the gun in case something better comes along.
There’s something to be said for being smart (trust me I toot my own horn in that aspect), but, again, I firmly believe that good things happen outside of our comfort zones. Why not combine the two? You don’t have to “throw all caution to the wind” and go skydiving just to prove you can leave your comfort zone. You can do it strategically and with baby steps, sometimes. That’s not to say it won’t give you butterflies, but I think you can break a big goal/decision/action down smaller.
For instance, I’m did this last weekend with the Princess Half Marathon. The idea of re-aggrivating my stress fracture made me want to throw up and stay far away from the race. But, frankly, if it was just me psyching myself out and not actual injury pain I would have done myself a disservice to not attempt to run. Holding myself back out of worry and fear won’t do me any good…in running and life.
The half marathon showed me that I can be cautious AND take chances. I can take calculated risks. If I can do this with running, why not carry it over to other parts of my life?
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So this is me (vaguely) declaring that I’m going to take those small steps, literally and figuratively, to improve and grow. I’m going to buck up and add that extra salt to the dish because how will I know if I don’t try? Big things happening over here, obviously.
I will never ever be the person to say “F this, I’m moving across the country,” but I don’t have to be. I can be a calculated-risk taker. One who is slightly scared about the unknown but has thought it through enough to take that chance.
I think there is a huge difference between caution and fear. One takes into account the risks but moves forward, the other only sees the risks.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Why Easy Running Can Actually Help You Run Faster
Skydiving YES! The last risk I took was to walk away from a Part Time job to tackle being a entrepreneur FULL TIME and focus on PT, Social Media, and the blog. I am scared and stressed, but I am SO HAPPY!!!
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Inspiring Women Who Inspire ME
I would LOVE to have a go at skydiving!
Am I also sensing that a new opportunity may have appeared on the horizon that is a little bit different?…
Being a cautious risk taker is probably the best attitude to have. It is important to address the situation for both its positives and negatives in order to rule out what is not feasible or what might actually do you harm, but equally, if you don’t try something- you will never know if was right or wrong for you. I think part of being a cautious risk taker is having a contingency in mind, whether this be like at your Disney race when you mentioned you would run but stop IF your foot gave you pain or if you go travelling and set up an bank account with just enough money to get you home IF the need arose. Its almost like having an answer to all of the IFs that the risk-adverse part of your brain brings to the surface…
I guess everyone has their own way of approaching risk though and as with anything, taking just a little bit of time to think something through if you have to opportunity to do so rarely does too much harm.
PS. IF you do add too much salt, it only takes 5-6 minutes to cook sweet potato in the microwave so you can have a dinner replacement in no time ;) xx
It’s so obvious to me now that I’ve shifted my mindset but it took me so long to get here. For decades I would ask myself: what’s the worst that could happen?? with regards to making decisions or taking leaps into the unknown.
Now I ask myself: what’s the best that could happen??
Carla recently posted…4 steps to overcoming discouragement.
Skydiving is a definite no because I’m terrified of heights. I’m like you- definitely not a risk taker, although I would love to be more spontaneous! Something to work on!
Sami recently posted…Marathon Training Recap Week 12
I can relate to this a lot. I am a risk taker when it comes to adrenaline related things or traveling.. anything related to that sign me up! (skydiving is on my bucket list haha). But when it comes to things that are “big” or “real” decisions for me- considering buying a new car, thinking about doing a marathon one day- I can’t just jump into something. I agree with a lot of things you said. Especially the one about being cautious makes take a long time to make a decision… me to a T :)
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…“Adult-ing”
My sister went skydiving and I kid you not, threw up on the way down while she was IN THE AIR. Gross but epic, maybe? Haha! It’s quite a story to tell now.
On a more serious note, you’ve got to be one of the most self-aware people I know, Emily! You really know yourself so well and have such good insight to share. I always love these posts!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…48 Hours in the Life
No way on the Sky diving. Not because of the risk, but because it generally doesn’t sound too fun to me. Deep sea diving, nah pass. The risks I take occur in my runs. Going faster and possibly blowing up doesn’t sound like a big thing to most people, but in my circles, the correct balance of fast miles and muscle adaption is crucial. Another big risk for me: spicy food hahaha
Ellie recently posted…WIAW [Expired food leads to great things]
I grew up my whole life wanting to do exciting things but also being such a planner it was tough to make the end result live up to how I’d built it up in my head. I’m trying to go with the flow more as I get older, take more risks, and see where that gets me, and in a way it’s gotten me a pretty good life at this point. But I also know I’ll never be someone who can totally let it all go…that’s an INFJ for you!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…WIAW #46: Saturday Spoons and Plates
I don’t know if I would do skydiving… I think it is really cool but something that would absolutely freak me out. I think if a lot of my friends were all doing it, I might (peer pressure haha), but it’s not something high on my bucket list. Being in college has pushed me to take more risks, but I still am cautious about the risks I take, I like to have time to think them through.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Healthy Blueberry Oat Muffins
I’m definitely not a big risk taker. I hate stepping far out of my comfort zone. But I also know the more you do it, the easier it gets. I’ll go through phases where I’m feeling particularly “brave” and more likely to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I do like the idea of a calculated risk though. It’s a little less scary ;)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Answers
Love this, Emily! (Why wasn’t I this wise 10 years ago – I am old – when I graduated college?)
Now that I’m 8 years into a job that provides for me but isn’t my passion, I kind of regret not taking more risks. But…I am a big over calculator who feels comfort from routine and safety. I have learned that I can be practical AND pursue my passions (writing) in other ways than my career.
I think you’re wise to take “calculated risks.” I’m envious of friends who *did* just up and move across the country, but often it’s the calculated risk takers who are happier/more successful.
You’re at a great place in your life! Enjoy it and know that you get to choose your life.
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…An Open Letter To The Women Who Read Healthy Living Blogs
I’ve always wanted to go skydiving, honestly! I’m an adrenaline junkie, which doesn’t fit in with literally any other aspect of my personality.
And I think you know that I totally relate to this post and I love when you write stuff like this; I feel like I could’ve written it myself. I’m super, super cautious. Right now, my risks are this weird mix of really important-feeling (career/networking related) and really simple (this recipe idea might totally fail), and in my head they sometimes feel equally intense… I’m weird, no big deal :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Give Yourself Permission
I am such an over-thinker and over-analyzer. So much so, I find myself not making any decision. I completely resonate with he thoughts expressed here, Emily. it’s something I’m continually trying to work on, and I love everything you’ve said. Cannot wait to see your small steps leading to big progress :)
Skydiving: Nahhhh.
Last risk I took: I applied for the highest position in my job even though I’m only a year into it. Usually people apply after two years. I figured I would give it a shot anyway, because I believe I would thrive in the position… I think I got it! :)
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Happy National Banana Bread Day! (Recipe Roundup)
I’d never skydive because, well… why would you jump out of a perfectly fine plane? And two, because I’m terrified of heights!
I’m a bit of a risk taker when it comes to everyday life but I’m not an adrenaline junky risk taker if that makes sense? I’ll take on opportunities that could go either way, however, you’ll never find me bungy jumping or gambling all my money :P
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Single Serve Double Chocolate Protein Pancakes (Vegan & Gluten Free!)
Leaving my last job after only being there for six months was a huge risk for me! Job hunting is always hard, but putting myself out there with a so-called “red flag” on my resume was really intimidating. But my prior job was taking such an emotional toll on me, I knew I needed a change, and now I totally love my new job!
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…NPS Headquarters (Buckeye Trail South)
Yes to skydiving – actually went this past August! I am actually a bit of a risk taker, which sometimes surprises people because my personality can maybe suggest otherwise. I love changing things up and doing something spontaneous or unexpected. I am a total adrenaline junky, and love doing adventurous things!
kerri mcgrail recently posted…Balls to the Walls Treadmill Workout: Progressive Run
I love this post <3 I definitely struggle with overthinking and over analyzing situations or decisions I need to make. I think there definitely is a time and place for taking your time with decisions, and doing your research, but I also whole heartedly believe that spontaneity is the spice of life! I love the skidding metaphor, and I am actually taking the big jump in 2.5 weeks with my boyfriend!!!!! I am so nervous, but at the same time I know it will be worth it to take the plunge!
sarah recently posted…NEDA Week 2016
AH Sarah I’m excited for you! I’m sure it will be nerve wrecking, but so thrilling as well. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!