This chapter really got me thinking about what risk means. I have an odd relationship with risks. I do not like risks yet do not lead my life like someone who has an aversion to risks. People are usually surprised when I say I am not a risk taker by nature, and usually point to half a dozen examples of things I have done in my life that indicate I am not afraid of risk.
This dissonance lies in the fact that when the risk is big I somehow do not see it as a risk conceptually. In practice this means I do not view big decisions that are inherently risky as risks – usually I see them as opportunities for change. And, invariably, I look back several years later and am like “wait, how did I not view this situation as a huge risk?”
That is the good news about me and risk. The bad news is that as I get older, I feel myself get more and more entrenched in routines. I am discovering that big decisions (like grad school, law school, graduations, jobs) become fewer and far between as one gets older, and as such there are fewer built-in opportunities for risks. I know I will need to push myself more to keep taking risks. In fact, that is the biggest insight I got out of this chapter.
General Disclosures & Disclaimers
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I really love the insights that you have gotten from the risks chapter. Thank you so much for sharing your week with risk.
Yes–the opportunities to take major risks does seem to lessen as we get older. I do find, though, that the ones we DO take are even more meaningful.
I could have written the first two paragraphs. Even the first half of the third. 😀 Now, pushing myself to take risks? I haven´t reached that stage yet. 😀
thanks for sharing your thoughts on risk. even the smallest of risks can make a huge difference!
I think it's wonderful that you see risk as opportunity! What a courageous and inspiring outlook… I'd be willing to bet that you take more risks than you realize…
Wonderful insights.
For me I have huge risks waiting for me when I turn 55 years old. I have two older children, 28 and 25, and a 12 year old. When my youngest graduates high school I plan to relocate to the west coast (currently in Ohio) and change careers (I've been working at a rape crisis center for 14 years now). I would love to accomplish these two things sooner rather than wait another six/seven years, but I feel stuck given that my daughter just started middle school and is doing well…now, that seems like a huge risk! I'm a little concerned about my employment opportunities at 55, but then again would be very content baking bread. Thank you for sharing your post.
As I age risks that at one time would have been very small suddenly become big. Your idea of looking at a risk as an opportunity (which seems much more positive) is a great way to overcome the fear of change. Thanks for a great insight.