Thoughts – 2009

Regret Impedes Confidence

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained ...”

Don't Gamble
No risk, no reward ... yet another cliché about risk. The negative side of this is when risking becomes associated with gambling. And in business, to be certain we don't gamble, we talk about a 'calculated' risk. Calculated or a gamble ... I'm not sure either is really a risk. Gambling is a game, and too many times our calculating takes so long that once we take an action, it's too late for the originally intended outcome.

Real Risk
In some of my recent pondering, I was reminded of my focus and dedication to Leaders - not to leadership, but to the individual. And this is where I want to focus - risk and you.

Individually, risk is about following your heart. Individually, we don't take a risk just to take a risk - to gamble. We take a risk by acting on something we know we ought to do. As you consider what you ought to do, ask yourself, "What's the worst that could happen?" This can help you see any fear as the silliness it often is.

Porch-Planning
In his book Five Secrets You Must Know Before You Die, John Izzo suggests imagining yourself as an older person sitting on the porch. You're sitting there reflecting on a decision. Will you regret not taking the risk? I've grown in my own confidence by realizing that my feelings don't determine my actions, my actions determine my feelings.

We are not always able to ensure success. Risk is about trying. Risk is about action. Regret is about not trying at all.

The risk associated with following your heart, when acted on, is a preventive measure against regret. The fear of regret is a healthy fear moving us to right action. The confidence resulting from right action is a great feeling.