“There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-term risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” – John F. Kennedy

The 2 most dangerous, paralyzing words for performers and creatives (and in almost every aspect of life) are:

“Be careful.”

To live ‘safely’ is to run your life without spontaneity and creativity. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the ONLY path to success in life is giving yourself permission to ‘take chances and risks’.

“Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” – Ben Franklin

When asked what they would do differently if they had their life to do over again, most of fifty adults 95 years and older replied that they would risk more.

How many times have you wanted to take a risk or meet a challenge in your business, in a performance situation or in your personal life, but were too afraid to? The following quote is a guiding principle in the coaching work I do with my clients.

“Change and growth takes place when a person has risked themselves and dared to experiment with their own life.” – Herbert Otto

• In what area of your business or career are you currently afraid to take some risks?
• In what performance situation are you afraid to venture out and try something new and unique?
• In what areas of your personal life are you afraid to take a chance?

Sam Walton once said,

“Swim upstream. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction. But, be prepared for a lot off folks to wave you down and tell you you’re headed in the wrong direction.”