Word of the Week

Risk

Definition: a situation involving exposure to danger that could result in positive consequences if everything is resolved as desired

Consider this...

Studies of happiness show that those who regularly take calculated risks are happier people.

Though some may think otherwise, taking risks can be hard. At that, it takes a lot of courage and a keen sense of responsibility to take smart risks.

Taking calculated risks means the ability to say: “I’m going to do something new today that may not work out, but I think the right thing to do is try.” It’s always worth a thorough and careful consideration of the potential benefits and downsides before taking a risk, but even if the smart risk you take doesn’t pan out as you hoped, you’ll certainly have learned a valuable lesson and will probably have an interesting story.

And if it does pan out, your self-confidence is likely to improve, you’ll be so proud of yourself, and you’ll still learn a valuable lesson. And with all that, whatever the risk, it paid off!

Taking a risk may be as simple as attending a Belly Dancing class or trying a new unusual recipe, quitting a job you hate in pursuit of a passion (after carefully weighing the consequences, of course), changing hairdressers, standing up to something that you think is wrong or trying a new laundry detergent. Risks come in all shapes and sizes and you should pick the right one for you.

I am not encouraging you to necessarily push yourself out of your comfort zone. I just know that by considering taking risks that are smart, you are one step closer to potentially taking them. As a result, you might learn a simple lesson or change your life. Do what feels comfortable, but don’t be afraid to consider taking a smart risk.

Check out this week’s tips for even more great ways to improve your happiness.