How to Take Risks
ADVENTUROUS THINKING IS A CHOICE
Each day offers opportunities to take risks, explore new ideas and expand our concept of what is possible. I know this from experience. Creative Entrepreneurship is an exercise in liminal meditation.
Trusting the process. Curiously re-inventing. Audaciously trying.
Sure, my income constantly fluctuates and depends on word of mouth, but for 20+ years I have always received exactly what I need. Do what you love, the money will follow. Woo woo alert - the Universe will take care of us. Every time. It’s not easy and we have to do our part - but it is true. Living in the adventurous space of not knowing offers freedom, excitement and wonderment. The challenge? Resistance.
OVERCOMING FEAR
What is fear really about? Fear is that place of not knowing what’s going to happen. That feeling that you are out of control. Fear is a concern that an outside force will somehow impact your reality.
In fact all of those things are true: we do not know what’s going to happen, we are not in control and outside forces can and will affect us. While the secure job, insurance policy, dependable spouse or days spent at the gym might help us receive health, wealth and security, the nature of life is impermanence. So here’s an Idea: let’s consciously cultivate a flexible mindset. This expansive nature will allow us to be responsive when the winds of change make an appearance. We can take micro-steps towards a receptive mindset each day.
BECOMING MORE FLEXIBLE
What steps can you take to expand your world? Think about the last time someone invited you to do something new or you encountered an idea that conflicted with your world view. What was your initial reaction? Did you question yourself?
For many of us, our initial response is often a resounding NO! No to the new, the unknown, the unexpected plan or change. However, after some quiet time, a decent cup of coffee, and a stretching of the mind and body, it’s possible to revisit the ‘intruder’ and gradually allow something new into our lives. Being open-minded is the first step towards embracing an innovative idea, unknown friend or unexpected opportunity. In order to cultivate experiential flexibility, try learning something new, talking to a stranger or exploring an unknown food.
TOO BUSY SYNDROME
You may be saying, who has time for all that? I have to balance my job, my family, buying groceries, making dinner and running my house. I understand. I am married and have a son, I run my own business, I exercise on a daily basis and I’m currently writing a book. So how can we find time to invite novel experiences into our lives?
Consciously. Actively. Gratefully.
Just this morning, wanting to exercise and learn something new, I walked for an hour and listened to a Roberto Blake podcast. I recently discovered Roberto’s YouTube channel: Always Be Creating – Roberto Blake, which has 1000’s of videos about creativity, personal branding, scaling your products/services and living a successful and balanced life as a creative. For me, discovering Roberto’s site and his abundant resources was like winning the lottery! Simple pleasures. On ramps to expansion. A willingness to learn.
FUN EXERCISE: Make a list of ways you can invite inspirational content, people, or experiences into your life.
Decide today to begin chipping away at limiting beliefs. Commit to staying open, and then observe your energy moving forward!
