As humans, we often find often find solace in the cocoon of comfort that we’ve woven around ourselves. We take comfort in the thought that we are in control and that everything is within our reach, and everything is predictably within our grasp – no risks. Exiting this safe haven of certainty and entering the world of danger can be a frightening idea, and many people are (very) reluctant to entertain it. Plainly spoken, I believe that many people do not like taking “the risk”, whether this be in our jobs, in our endeavors to start something new or go somewhere beyond our wildest dreams.

Risk tends to make us uncomfortable. Instead of navigating the choppy waves of uncertainty, we would rather coast down the smooth route of familiarity. We intuitively avoid the difficulties and suffering that come with straying from our well-worn habits, acting as though we’re hardwired to oppose change.

BUt think about this: risks are an inherent part of our daily lives. From the ever-looming specter of job stability to the seductive attraction of financial gambles (like stocks or crypto), we are continuously presented with the question, “What if?” What if we stored our hard-earned cash in a bank account? What if we made the decision to explore the mysterious world of stocks just because someone said so? These questions fly through our minds, luring us to mull over the alluring possibilities of riches and the anxiety of probable loss.

So here’s my provocative thought to ponder: what if you had the chance to completely eliminate risk from your life? Would you seize the opportunity to throw off the constraints of uncertainty and bask in the light of complete security?

It’s surly is an alluring idea that appeals to our basic need for security and stability. Imagine a life free from financial concerns, where job stability is a continuous and unchanging reality, where the idea of danger is as foreign as a distant star in the night sky. The temptation is overwhelming because it promises a world where the fear of failure is eliminated and we can walk a road free of regret. Because we are wired and conditioned that way. In it’s basic core it is somewhat communistic thinking. But even in the face of such an alluring offer, my question to you remains: would you really take advantage of the chance to completely remove risk from your life? Would you voluntarily choose the security of unwavering regularity over the pleasure of the unknown?

A former colleague asked me this questions one time after an announcement that was made within our organization. My immediate answer, without thought, was not all that surprising:

“No, I wouldn’t.” 

I truly believe that the nature of the human spirit potentially holds the key to the solution. We are (all) visionaries and explorers by nature, motivated by the excitement of venturing into new territory and the desire to accomplish the spectacular. The appeal of a life free from danger is clear, but it is also true that risk is the furnace where growth, creativity, and transformation are forged. Have you seen those reality shows where people who seemingly would never be able to cross the zip line with hundreds of meters below them, end up doing it and then awaken this lion within them? It is the very thing that drives us onward, inspiring us to seek for the heavens and go beyond our previous perceptions of what is possible. And I realize we all do this on different levels.

So, while you contemplate my question about the prospect of a life without risk, remember that it’s the interplay of “uncertainty and courage” that has shaped our world and driven humanity to achieve remarkable feats. We may be animals of comfort, but we are also creatures with limitless potential who are constantly lured to the attraction of the uncharted. I know I am. It’s as if it were ingrained in my genes (ask my wife). In the end, the decision to embrace or reject risk is a reflection of our willingness to embrace the full spectrum of our human experience and the limitless horizons that lie beyond the bubble of comfort.

My View On Risks

I enjoy taking risks, to put it simply. Risks have the rare capacity to serve as a mirror, reflecting our innermost selves back to us and inspiring us to question the status quo. You know, to me, risks have the extraordinary ability to make us reevaluate our strategy and come up with creative solutions to avoid their potential dangers. Take financial risks, for instance. I should clarify that I don’t gamble, and I can’t even remember the last time I walked into a casino. I do, however, enjoy the art of investing. Taking a calculated risk and working around the potential threats to make a decent profit. That’s just one example, so in that sense risks are part of my life.

Considering the discussion I had with my former colleague, our talk as I recall it, revolved in particular around the idea of financial stability. Let me be perfectly clear: I have never been motivated by money in its purest form. It’s possible (though completely pure speculation) that in my former role I was one of the lowest paid managers in my function when compared to my peers. In my previous roles, I have never asked for a raise to any one of my five bosses. For some of you that may sound naive and stupid, for others, it may sound familiar, but for me it was strategy. How? Well, that is for another post. Don’t get me wrong – financial security is something that is important to me. Being able to provide for my family and ensure that they do not have to worry is logically somewhere at the top of my list. My motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to make sure that those around me never have to worry about money. It’s not about accumulating ostentatious amounts of money; rather, it’s about building a solid base on which my loved ones can stand, free from the worries of the future. I am driven to pursue financial security because it gives me the opportunity to maneuver through the risky mazes armed with willpower and a strong sense of accountability. It’s a project that goes beyond the temptation of wealth in an effort to give the people I care about a secure future. You see, even while I may enjoy taking risks and value the opportunities they present, everything I do is done to safeguard my family’s happiness and well-being. In this quest, risks are not mere gambles; they are calculated steps toward a more secure future, each challenge met with resilience and each potential threat transformed into an opportunity for growth and prosperity.

To that extent, I feel that I am in control of my own destiny as an entrepreneur and the risks that come along with it. The thing about entrepreneurs is that we do not like risks more than anybody else, we have just become more intelligent about dealing with risk. From an entrepreneurial perspective, it is crucial to embrace risks and their impact on how we live our lives rather than passively accepting them. These hazards aren’t just theoretical difficulties; they manifest in concrete ways that shape our personalities and determine our paths. From an entrepreneurial perspective than, I need to take all the risks and look at the way they impact the way I live my life such as:

• First, there’s the danger of putting off risk and avoiding the unknown. But for entrepreneurs, these difficulties are opportunities to develop new abilities, to push the limits of their current understanding, and ultimately to advance personally.
• Second, think about the possibility of never making a mistake. While many people fear making mistakes, entrepreneurs welcome them as learning opportunities. Making mistakes doesn’t mean you failed; instead, it teaches you crucial lessons that help you gain new perspectives, improve your tactics, and move forward with confidence.
• Thirdly, the risk of never starting, never exploring, never being bold enough to push the boundaries of what is possible. Entrepreneurs thrive on this specific risk by nature (or so I believe). We forge forth into unexplored territory, pushing the limits of our capacity and tenaciously questioning the status quo – and that doesn’t mean that you need to reinvent the wheel – trust me.
• Lastlyv, consider the possibility that we might one day look back and wonder what would have been if we hadn’t taken the risk of going into the unknown. This risk also acts as a strong motivation. It gives us the motivation to take advantage of every chance, enjoy the rewards of our research, and feel content in the knowledge that we have covered every possible avenue.

In my life, these are the positive energies that risks bring along. Instead of being paralyzed by anxiety and sinking into a constant state of “risk mitigation mode,” I’ve discovered how to embrace the transformative power of risks. Instead of letting them influence my decisions, I’ve made them work for me by turning each risk into a tool for success both personally and professionally.

I can’t help but shake my head when you question if a life without hazards would be suitable for me. Not only must I accept risks, but I must also thrive on them in order to use them to influence my future. My entrepreneurial spirit is sparked by risks, and it is risks that drive me ahead and inspire me to push the limits of what is possible.

Now, your opinion on this issue would genuinely interest me. What kind of hazards do you see in your own life? Do you see them as obstacles to be overcome or as stepping stones to a better and more rewarding future? Understanding this point of view can help us better understand the various approaches people take to opportunities and difficulties on their particular paths.

So would a life without risks work for me? Probably not!

How do you see it?

Make it happen.