Okay, before you wonder… I do know that the “r” in risk is not silent.
But there is another “r” in risk. And I’ve been noticing that it’s been quite silent for me. That second “r” is: Reward.
In Laura’s new Be You Out Loud class, she puts an emphasis on the reward part of risk. My take on it is that we’re not just taking risk for risk’s sake (which could just lead to dangerous dares), but stepping into these palm-sweating, growth-inducing calculated gambles – and backing those risks with faith that there is a built-in reward.
Well, I keep forgetting to notice the reward part. So I thought I would journey back through my Risk-a-Day blog posts thus far and reflect on the reward that was borne of each risk.
Seven Risks = Seven (at least!) Rewards
1. The Risk: Believing in myself and continuing on with my message in a presentation I was giving where I got heckled by an audience member. The Reward: I discovered that when I speak my truth, even if it’s not accepted by others, my self confidence is bolstered. It’s not about being obnoxiously opinionated, but believing in yourself, right smack in your own heart, that creates strength.
2. The Risk: Being my playful, goofy, messy irreverent self to be closer to the Divine. The Reward: Absolutely a more expanded connection with the Divine. Dropping any need for pretense of reverence has brought me greater spiritual freedom.
3. The Risk: Tuning in to what I’m wanting, even with wildly outlandish desires, with no attachment to the outcome. The Reward: This one is fleeting for me, but when I dial it in, I can really feel my imagination stretch and come to life. And it is truly enlivening to imagine and want joyfully… no matter the outcome!
4. The Risk: Shedding my well-earned marketing expertise and trying a new way of marketing my business. The Reward: OMG. This one has been amazing. In the past few months, I have cleansed my “expertise” palate and what emerged has been such freshness in my thinking and approach toward my business. It all clicked very quickly once I let go of the old thinking, and I’ve been happily marching forth with clarity and beginning to get new traction!
5. The Risk: Being emotional out loud. And the risk of making public an idea for a pet project I had been thinking about, but had never previously acted on. The Reward: Well, the “Tears of Joy” project has become clear for me. By jove, I’ve got it! That’s exciting to me. Plans are under way – stay tuned for more on that!
6. The Risk: Accepting that a tiny risk can have a large payoff. The Reward: I am becoming more in tune with my tiny risks, which seem to buoy me in rough waters. I feel more ready for the big league of risks!
7. The Risk: Letting go of a failed dream. The Reward: Acknowledging, experiencing and appreciating a seemingly illogical set of emotions around a failed dream has freed me to move forward in a more definite way. The new dream has more space to breathe now.
The second “R” is out of the closet!
Martha Carnahan coaches entrepreneurs, leaders and marketers in the professional services world. She has noticed that taking risks, whether bold and scary or seemingly small (and easy to avoid) creates a fresh awareness of the joy, audacity and quiet reverence of a full-spectrum life. Its not just about doing more stuff its about hanging out more in the sweet spot of life. Visit Martha's website.
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Wow, Martha, I really appreciate the way you’ve taken stock of what you’ve been up to with these risks and the rewards you’ve realized as a result.
I think I will have a look at mine, too. Oh wait…I still have BYOL homework to do. Better do that first!
I’m printing out your risk/reward list and posting it where I can read it every morning and every night.
Wow, what a thorough and thoroughly inspiring post. Thank you for your time and your attention to what this process has brought you and what you have been bringing yourself (and the rest of us) as a result. Again, I say, wow.