What If We Shift How We Look At Risk?
What If We Shift How We Look At Risk?
When we look at risk, we often consider the potential failure or “no’s” we might hear. The fear of rejection can leave us second guessing how prepared we are, dragging our feet until we feel like we are 100% prepared. As if we are ever 100% prepared for anything.
What could happen if we intentionally transform our mindset? Instead of focusing on not being 100% ready, what if we focus on the possibility and potential in that opportunity? This is where we step outside our comfort zone, and allow ourselves to be stretched and transformed.
Shifting this mindset can be even more challenging for women. According to a 2013, Hewlett Packard Internal Study, “Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100%.”
As I prepared to launch my business, I was debating whether or not I was ready. I considered applying to be a speaker at a women’s conference. I’d never been a speaker for anything like this, and didn’t really know if I was prepared to take this leap. I called my friend, and her advice was simple, “all they can do is say no.” Suddenly a spark hit me: “all they can do is say no…” but what else could happen? I would never know what to expect, unless I tried. In this moment there was a shift, instead of focusing on not being 100% ready, I went in with the mindset that even if they say no, the next time I’d be more prepared.
How could this mindset shift show up in your life? What risks have you been considering but you’re still unsure you’re ready? What steps could you take to embrace the risk by focusing on the potential growth or opportunity? Although, you might still “fail” or hear a no, what might be the reward?