READY TO TAKE A BOLD RISK?

Posted by Libby Gill on October 4, 2007 10:14 PM PDT

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Normally the province of comedy clubs and TV shows, I often use “improv” as a communications and team-building tool for business people. Participants are forced to get out of their heads and think on their feet. Most important, they discover that even if they fall flat on their faces, they won't fall apart.
Occasionally, we all need to get out on the ledge and leap. So what have you done lately that’s given you a risk-taking rush?

Think of some positive activities that represent physical, social and intellectual risks. Physical risks might be rock-climbing, surfing or skydiving; social risks may include taking a dance class, throwing a party, or attending a singles event; intellectual risks could be taking a class, giving a speech, or writing an article.
If fear is holding you back from taking your risk, ask yourself these questions. What’s the worst that could happen? How likely is that worst-case scenario? How well could you handle it?
Finally, add some accountability factors. When, where and with whom will you commit to taking this risk? Now put it on your calendar and take the plunge!

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2 Comments

Sometimes the mind goes blank when confronted with a "big risk". Mine certainly does. It's almost like the mind puts up a subconscious defense that stifles the imagination when we think about big dramatic changes.

But everybody can think of little risks that are manageable and easy to envision. taking a little risk is better than staying with the status quo, and sometimes a little risk might just change things dramatically.

One example that comes to mind is relationships. If things go wrong in a relationship, it's very easy for both parties to sit back and wait for the other party to make amends. And if both parties sit back... well, then the relationship decays and the resentment festers.

But if one party is willing to take a risk and make a kind gesture, or reach out, or create an open invitation to the other side, well, that's when big breakthroughs can happen.

The worst case scenario in this example is no worse than the status quo. If the other party rejects you, things are no worse except for maybe a little ego bruising.

go ahead, take Libby's advice. Increase your risk level a little at a time. You'll be amazed at the results.

Posted by Rob on October 4, 2007 10:23 PM PDT

I like the idea of adding it to the calendar -- it brings it into the view in a real way, you've made time and space for it -- in fact, this week a friend mentioned she wanted to sky dive before her 40th birthday. We both hold a bit of fear and trepidation, but are excited and energized by the idea. Setting our sky diving date is propelling us forward. As we plan our adventure, there is an electricity about it now!

Setting a date and planning the steps takes us out of the "someday" realm and into the NOW - and that is where the magic resides!