Risk is always present.
There are risks that entrepreneurs take to launch their businesses, risks we take when we choose to go back to school or change careers, even the risks that come with simply saying “yes” every time someone asks you for help.
Risk may always cause some anxiety but it isn’t always bad. Let’s discuss seven risks that professional shouldn’t be afraid to make:
1. The Risk of Not Knowing Who You Are
The first risk you shouldn’t be afraid of taking is the risk of not knowing who you are.
This might sound like a no-brainer when it comes to finding your career direction. But for many people, figuring out what makes them tick can be challenging.
It’s important that you know who you are and what kind of professional (and person) you want to be so that when opportunities present themselves, they feel like they were made just for you!
How do you find out your identity? Well…that depends on how long ago your last personality test was taken!
There are lots of ways to explore your identity. There are many free or cheap online personality tests that you can take.
Once we’ve identified our strengths and weaknesses (and hopefully learned from any mistakes), we need to share our identity with others so they can help us create an actionable plan for moving forward with our careers!
2. The Risk of Failure
The risk of failure is a downside to the professional world, but it can also be a benefit.
In fact, many people learn more from their failures than their successes.
If you’ve ever found yourself in an uncomfortable situation or learned something new from a mistake, then you know how important it is to embrace failures as learning opportunities rather than feeling embarrassed by them.
3. The Risk of Making Someone Uncomfortable
You will be asked to do things that make others uncomfortable. In fact, you should expect that you will have to make people feel uncomfortable from time to time.
The trick is learning how to create a safe space for yourself and your teammates so that people feel comfortable voicing their ideas, thoughts and concerns about the project at hand.
But what does it mean for someone to be “uncomfortable?” How exactly do we make someone “uncomfortable?”
There are several different ways. One example is to feel rushed or under pressure.
4. The Risk of Challenging the Status Quo
The risk of the status quo is that you may not fully take advantage of your opportunities as a professional.
You could be doing things the same way you always have and never question whether there are better ways to get work done or make more money. As a result, you’re not reaching your full potential.
This might sound like an obvious risk but it’s one that many people struggle with because they’re afraid of change and what might happen if they try something different.
They don’t want to lose what they already have or fear that something bad will happen if their plan doesn’t work out like they think it should.
But if you truly want to succeed at work (and beyond), then being afraid of change isn’t going to help you reach those goals any faster than taking calculated risks will.
5. The Risk of Pushing Past Mediocrity
Mediocrity is the enemy of greatness. It’s also the enemy of progress, innovation and success.
We are constantly surrounded by people who are content with mediocrity, whether in their careers or personal lives.
They don’t want to push themselves or make great decisions because they fear failure or making the wrong decision.
These people will never achieve lofty goals because they’re too scared to try new things and take risks that could lead them down a different path than everyone else.
6. The Risk of Isolation
As a professional, you may feel like your career is developing in the direction of venturing out on your own. However, you may fear the isolation.
When you work alone and don’t get emotional support from others regularly (or at all), it’s easy to become depressed or start doubting yourself professionally.
Make sure that other people are involved with your project or industry, even if they’re not necessarily part of what makes up the community of professionals you rely on for guidance and inspiration.
7. The Risk of Asking for What You Want or Need
It’s important to ask for what you want because it’s important to state your needs.
If you feel like something is not working out, or if something is bothering you, speak up! Don’t be afraid of confrontation; it’s the only way things will get better.
We often forget about expressing ourselves as individuals because we’re so worried about what other people might think of us.
But by taking risks and being vulnerable enough to put yourself out there (even if only slightly), it could lead to some interesting outcomes.
Recruiters from Physicians Thrive advise their clients to be upfront with their potential employers about what they want or need from their position.
This not only ensures that they are happy with their new position, but that no one’s time is being wasted.
Conclusion
These are all risks that you can take as a professional, and they’re all worth it because they help you grow.
If you’re feeling stuck, or if you want to try something new with your career, now is the time to make a change. The risk will be worth it in the end!
