Remember Risk? I wrote about taking risks recently and it really hit a nerve with many women. Women were emailing me, stopping me in the grocery store, on the street in my community. And you know what each of them said? "How did you know?" "You were talking about me, weren't you?" Well, yes and no. I was referring to what all people go through when dealing with the thought of change, transition, and risk (including me!).

Webster's dictionary refers to risk as "the possibility of loss, or to take a chance." This morning I realized that a few things are happening today that created that feeling of risk for me. My 7 year old son Jack, was to leave on a snow-boarding trip today---his first. My son has never gone that far with anyone other than his family---Risk. Snowboarding--fun, adventure--Risk of injury. I am making some big changes in my business this year. I'm excited about all of the possibilities. I'm also taking a chance---a Risk.

As a mother and an entrepreneur, I am feeling risk on both levels. So what if I decide that it's too risky to let my son go snowboarding--now what? He doesn't get to experience something new that he may really enjoy. What if I decide it's too risky to make changes to my business to promote growth and continue the work that I love? I was fortunate to have a business mentor in my life for many years and he used to tell me something that sounds simple, but very powerful: "If you want things in your life to change, then you have to change." In order for things to change, you need to allow new ways of being to come into your life. A simple phrase but powerful in meaning. For most of us, we spend time asking the question, "What's going to happen if I take this risk, make this change?" I would like to invite you to consider another question (the one I now use). "What is going to happen if I don't take this risk, make this change?" Well I can tell you a secret: If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get what you have always had.

Another wise woman once told me that "the slightest shift can create the greatest outcome." If you set a goal that's achievable, it will create positive change in your life over the next 90 days, and you will be more fulfilled on your journey in 2008.

What are you willing to change this year? What are your goals and what are the risks associated with those goals? In my Women's Circles, we talk about finding our passion, making plans and taking "calculated risks." It's about how we plan to take the risk that's really the key. It's important to give yourself the space to explore what you really want to change in your life and then seek alternatives to see which one is the best fit for you.

By the way, my son went on the snow-boarding trip and......he loves it!

It's important to give yourself the space to explore what you really want to change in your life and then seek alternatives to see which one is the best fit for you.

Joy Chudacoff is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions and a Certified Professional Coach. If you have ever asked yourself the question, “When will I finally have time to do what’s most important to me?” visit Joy’s website (http://www.SmartWomenSolutions.com) where you’ll find more articles by Joy plus information about her Women’s Learning Circle, upcoming workshops, and teleclasses for women who are ready to begin the next phase of their life or career. Be sure to sign up for Joy’s e-newsletter while you’re there. Contact Joy at 310-577-8011 or by email Joy@SmartWomenSolutions.com