February 2024 Newsletter - Are You Running Toward Risk?

While it was nowhere near Valentine’s Day, I can remember that ever so special day when I followed my heart and took a big risk in my life.  I can remember the day very well - October 13, 2021.  It was instead my Sweetest Day - the day I had decided that I was done dancing around the idea of being a Life Coach and committed myself to starting a coaching business.  It was the day I made a commitment to myself to FINALLY create the time and space in my life to honor this personal calling.  And it meant going part-time in Civil Engineering – something that seemed like a futile effort in the past.  I had proven that I was able to keep this nemesis from sticking me on my back as I proceeded to retake control of the match.   It was unfamiliar yet freeing.  It was uncertain yet beautiful.  And I have not looked back since.

When you think of the word “risk,” what feelings get stirred up in your body? For some, you may get supercharged hearing the word and embrace the challenge behind it.   For most, however, I suspect the opposite may be true.  The idea of taking risks may leave you with your stomach turning.  And, as an overcoming risk-averse engineer, I can understand completely.  

As engineers or technical professionals, many of us are “certainty-oriented” individuals.  We become creatures of habit to our work schedules, patterns, and behaviors.  We find comfort in the known and often become triggered by anything that will challenge that.  Truthfully, there is an inherent desire in each of us to feel safe and protected at work, and change of any kind (whether externally or internally stimulated) can be a perceived threat to our safety.

However, as humans we are also innately designed with the need for uncertainty and growth.  When we fall into the pattern of routine in our lives and a “leave well enough alone” mentality, these two needs become suppressed and can leave us with a deep desire for wanting more.  We can endure a long and even successful career in our respective professions, yet still feel like we may have missed out on something at the same time – an inner desire for more.

For some of you, you may have been forced to adapt and grow through a circumstance outside of your control.  Perhaps you experienced a layoff at your company or possibly your company went bankrupt, leaving you on the sidelines with that outdated resume that hasn’t been touched since college.   In this case, you are in a position where uncertainty is inevitable and now you have to get out of that old routine to improve your position. 

My question to you is “Why wait?”       

When I was in coaching school, one the foundational principles taught was “If you are not growing, you are dying.”   Now that one hit me between the eyes with such boldness, but there is so much truth in this principle.  Without the ability to experience growth in our lives, we are much like a muscle that atrophies over time.  Except, it is more of a spiritual muscle that can become weak and deflated, leaving a void deep within us. 

Now the GOOD news.  Taking more risks in your career and life will strengthen those spiritual muscles and provide you immeasurable benefits.  Before I get into the benefits of risk-taking, however, it is important to preface this by emphasizing that taking risks is not about being reckless.  It is the opposite of that.  It is being mindful of the consequences of your choices and actions.  Risk-taking should be responsible, measured, and carefully thought through.  All good risks should be calculated, while also backed by a deep-rooted faith that your situation will improve with the result.  

Here are 3 immeasurable benefits to taking calculated risks in your career and life:

#1 - You will Develop Trust Within Yourself

One of the best ways to get to know yourself is to take a risk in your career or life.   Through risk-taking you will develop a sense of connection and trust within yourself that will improve your inner awareness.  Regardless of the outcome, you will be able to look back and say, “I stepped out and took a chance.”  Of course, you want your risk to pay off, but even if it doesn’t, taking that step, regardless of how big, can take the focus off of the outcome and put the focus back on yourself. 

At the start of this article, I mentioned that I was an overcoming risk-averse engineer.   Perhaps the biggest risk I took was going part-time in the civil engineering profession to focus on building a life coaching business.   I wrestled with all the “what if” scenarios of it not working out but eventually took the leap.   And now I am in a greater position to live out my mission statement of investing in people who are stuck or seeking and helping them find their way.  It was a decision that I am proud of and one that inspired a deeper level of trust within myself.  In fact, now I relish finding new opportunities to get uncomfortable and put myself out there to live out my mission.

So, what is it that you have been putting off that you know you need to do?

#2 - You will Improve Your Resilience

The best way to build resilience and stretch those spiritual muscles is to take a risk and see that it does not come to fruition.  If you have thoughtfully considered your risk and executed your plan as intended, withstand the urge to get down on yourself and second-guess your decision.  Instead, see it as a huge step in the right direction of your own personal growth.  Even if it does not work out, hold the belief that you are moving in the right direction.  

Immediately think about another measured risk that you can take to allow yourself to stretch personally or professionally.  See it as a challenge!  The more that you can make it into a challenge or game, the less likely you will be to put off the next one.  It will become less of a “have to” and more of a “want to.”  Who knows, you may even be motivated to clear off your schedule to plan your next venture right away.

#3 - It will Make You More Attractive

As you develop the habit of taking calculated risks, others will begin to take notice.  There is a certain attractive quality about people who venture out of their comfort zones.  This is because there is an innate desire for all people to do the same as a way of experiencing uncertainty and growth in their own lives.  However, many people are simply not able to find the courage to take their own risks, including those within your own company. 

Your persistence in pushing the boundaries in your career and improving your own position in the company may inspire others to do the same.  Your coworkers or manager may be inspired by you and begin to look inward at how they have been handling their own approach to challenges.  Sometimes all it takes is one person to go against the grain to create positive change.  So, why can’t it be you? 

Chances are if you are reading this now, you are a high achiever at work.   As a final point to leave you with, know that high achievers are people that are in demand.  Recognize the value that you bring to your organization, and remember that nobody likes to see talented people walk out the door.   If you are such a person and struggling with the idea of taking a calculated risk at work, ask yourself “What is the worst thing that can happen?”  And then ask the follow up question of “How likely is that to happen?”  Next evaluate the best thing that can happen with your decision and see how that might help you reframe the risk in a way that makes you want to run towards it, and not away. 

Now, what is that risk that you need to take in your career or life right now?

Author: Ryan Walter, ACC, PE

Follow me @ Rethinkwildly.com

Need assistance evaluating a career or life risk you have been putting off?  I can help.  Please reach out to me to schedule a free consultation.  You can also schedule a session in my booking calendar for a time that works for you. Free Consultation Call - ReThink Wildly

I am a certified professional life coach and professional engineer and help engineers and other professionals navigate the human challenges of work.  My mission is to help people get unstuck in their personal and professional lives.  Some of the areas that I coach professionals on include imposter syndrome, work fulfillment, life purpose, work-life balance, personal boundaries, assertiveness, and relational conflict in the workplace.  Top of Form