What’s Risk Got To Do With It?

In order to succeed, you have to take a risk.  Many studies of entrepreneurs show they come in all shapes and sizes with all different kinds of temperaments and work habits.  Some are detailed planners; others fly by the seat of their pants.  Some are methodical, others impulsive.  But the single critical trait every entrepreneur has is the willingness to take risks.

Hear that?  In order to take that first anxiety provoking step to start your own business…. or even go out on a limb in your career in order to reach the next level….. you have to take a risk.  You have to take that leap of faith believing that “when you jump, the net will appear.”

Traditionally, boys and men are encouraged to engage in a wide variety of risk-taking endeavors and have plenty of opportunities to do so. Girls and women, however, are encouraged to conform and play by the rules.

No matter how successful we get, we all eventually hit the edge of our comfort zone, limiting our ability to take risks.

For some this zone is smaller than others. That learned behavior of conformity combines with the self-limiting beliefs we’ve adopted over the years and holds us back from taking even the smallest of risks.

What’s exciting is that now, more then ever, women are well poised to break through these cultural and gender stereotypes. We CAN change our behavior and challenge our limiting beliefs.

Risk is an opportunity to shift your thinking and stretch out of your comfort zone; the willingness to try a new behavior or a different thinking style. The more risks we take, the higher our chances are of being successful. And the more personal success we experience, the more confidence we will feel.

Every time we step into fear or away from comfort, we grow, learn something new about ourselves , adapt and express our potential more fully.

So instead of seeing risk as a hurdle, a mountain to climb or a barrier to your success, AdvancingWomen.com invites you to look at risk as your ally. Taking a risk is a chance to build trust in yourself and allow yourself to show up and passionately claim who you really are.