Recently, millions of men and women around the world turned to the Discovery Channel to see high wire artist Nik Wallenda tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon without any safety devices. It would have taken no more than a gust of wind, a slight loss of balance, or an urge to sneeze to send Wallenda falling 1500 feet down into the Little Colorado River (fortunately, Wallenda was able to safely cross without any complications).
Even though most of our paths do not lie thousands of feet above the ground along a 2-inch steel cable, there are times in our careers and lives when we find ourselves with the option to leave safe behind and try our own version of tightrope walking across the Grand Canyon. Scary? Yes, but part of living in the grey is about embracing the beauty of taking a chance.
Get inspired to take a leap by watching Rachael Chong, the founder and CEO of Catchafire, share her thoughts on the topic:
Video Recap:
- Rachael talks about when risk taking is a not a good idea and when it is, “in the circumstance where if you take risk, the only thing that would change is lifestyle for yourself…why wouldn’t you embark on an opportunity to learn and embark on an adventure.”
- She goes on to advocate shifting your perspective so that you consider life to be all about learning and change. By doing that, you’ll eliminate the fear associated with taking a risk. Stay focused on what you will gain - knowledge, experience, the chance to explore your interests - rather than the butterflies that arise when you stretch out of your comfort zone.
- Our favorite quote from Rachael: “You only have one life, it’s not worth trading for a pair of Prada shoes.”
Have you taken a risk lately? Tell us about your experience below in the comments.
I love the comparison between these two because Wallenda’s decision, as the most extreme form of risk, is simply inconceivable in my mind. After watching his life literally on the line, Chong’s advice really drives home the idea that you should be getting something more valuable out of the risks you take.
Oh and the only risk is that you can’t afford those Prada shoes or you have to live in an apartment with roommates? OK. Yes, if you’re 24, single, and your family is already comfortable, sure, what’s to lose? If you have a mortgage, kids, debt, parents that need help, plan to retire at some point, etc…not so simple.
That’s a great point, and it’s one Courtney speaks to in this article: http://www.liveinthegrey.com/how-to-take-risks-as-a-parent/.
Thanks for your comment.