Risk Appetite: Almost everything comes with some Risk!

This post is dedicated to the risk taking ability in us with a plethora of challenges we are constantly bombarded with!

It would be a blatant lie to say that life would be rosy without any thorns. And if I look back now – all the worthwhile things that have been a part of my life have always come at some sort of risk. Perhaps I was too naive to realize the risks at that point in time. But age and perspective is a wonderful thing. It has given me an opportunity to introspect and retrospect to note that not only were these risky, but some were downright stupid.

Well, we do learn and live don’t we? I suppose it is all these experiences of stupidities and erudite mistakes which has defined me as a person. It would be fair to assume this is the same with you as well.

For all these beautiful risks that have emboldened us, our quote analysis for the day is about risks:

“Almost everything worthwhile carries with it some sort of risk, whether it’s starting a new business, whether it’s leaving home, whether it’s getting married, or whether it’s flying into space.”

– Chris Hadfield

Almost Everything comes with risk!

I don’t want to insult you by trying to explain why this statement can be true. If we are doing an honest quote analysis, there is no point in teaching to suck eggs. We just want to know what these statements mean to us.

In this instance, it just means that each decision point/action is mired with some sort of risk. Perhaps there may be ones where the amount of risk is minimal. We can close our eyes and assume there are no problems.

In my experience, there is no running away from these. They often come back and hit us with double the intensity. Although it is a hard truth, it is much better to know the risks and embrace them instead of feigning ignorance.

Ignorance is bliss!

Taking the above statement with a pinch of salt – ignorance may be some elements of bliss for a constant worrier. The extremes never really help us. No matter what the risks are, it is our actions which can determine the results.

Yes, there might be instances where these actions backfire, but nothing ever happens in vacuum. If that were the case, the laziest bums in the world would the be most successful ones. And trust me, I would like to be a lazy one too.

Why take risks?

If everything comes at some sort of risk, does it mean that we should stay away from this?

Or, does it mean that we should stop caring once in for all – for nothing might be in our control.

Well, both the above are some approaches to take. But, we are not here to discuss the global rightness of a decision or risk. A risk, action or results are all parts of what we do. It is not about trying to be perfect, but to understand what we are getting into. We cannot be closing our eyes and say – Gosh, I didn’t see that coming! Trust me, there are plenty of those which will make you feel that even without you trying. The least we can do is be aware so that our minds can start preparing

We will never have all the answers: The risks of unknown

Indeed, we will never have all the answers. There will still be questions, risks, unknowns and fears. But, these cannot bring us down on a daily basis.

If they do, we have already lost the battle even before we start. It is rather silly to be expecting to know everything before hand. There is no risk in that. There is a certain beauty in the unknowns. We can either appreciate that or not, but there are going to be unknowns.

It is in your best interest to try and prepare as much as possible. And when the risk comes your way, you will find a way out. After all, it is only the actions that can produce results.

Everything else, is a tiny speck of thought in the large scheme of results we are after.