bythemethod.com blog

Quote

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.
George S. Patton

It takes a brave person to take risks

Taking a risk means that you accept that what you are going to do might fail. Not everyone has the courage to do this. Some people like to know that the whole of life is planned out in detail so that there are no surprises and no risks. This may be fine for some but if you are going to be successful in life then you have to take some risks.

Calculate the costs before taking the risk

However no risk should be undertaken without knowing full well what you are doing. It’s possible to greatly reduce the risks by knowing what the problems might be in the first place. You should always ensure that you have considered the costs and risks involved in taking a risk. Leave as little to chance as possible.

Even calculated risks are risks

Of course every risk is a risk – which means that the outcome might be different to the one you desired. If it was not so then we would call it a certainty and not a risk. Before you take a risk always consider if you are prepared to accept the consequences of things going differently than you expected. If the cost is too great for you then don’t take the risk.

Without taking a risk nothing can be gained

The very people who have gained the most are those who were willing to take calculated risks. Risk is part of gain.

If you are worried about a risk you are about to take and are willing to take the consequences then you must be brave and take the risk. Without taking that risk you cannot succeed.