Free Motivation Newsletter | Home The Reality of Risk by Jim Stovall From an early age, we are encouraged by friends, relatives, and those who care about us to “be careful,” “take it easy,” and “watch out.” The thinking behind these admonitions is that we’ve got to avoid dangerous situations and eliminate risk in our lives. It is certainly prudent to avoid exposing ourselves to unnecessary danger; however, the idea of eliminating risk is counterproductive. Risk is all around us. It invades every area of our personal and professional lives. There is a false assumption that one choice carries risk with it while the alternative choice is risk free. In the investment world, the riskiest investments are considered to be real estate and the stock market, while the safest investments are considered to be guaranteed bank or government accounts. While the bank and government investments do guarantee that you will not lose your money, over the last 50 years they have proven to be the most dangerous and risk-laden decisions you could have made. While the stock market and real estate invariably go up and down, at times reminiscent of a roller coaster, over the long haul they have consistently performed well and offered good investment returns. On the other hand, over the same half century, the “safe and conservative investments,” which are guaranteed by banks or the government, have not even kept up with inflation; therefore, they inevitably lose value. Prudent financial advisors will tell you that there is a place for all kinds of investments. I would certainly agree; however, the point we want to understand is that risk and safety rarely are easily identified and totally pure. I know people who are afraid to fly, so they drive on cross country trips. Their fear, obviously, is that they could be a victim of a plane crash if they fly on an airplane. While this is statistically possible, the risk of dying in a plane crash is insignificant compared to the risk of driving your own vehicle. In reality, more people are injured or killed driving to the airport than on a commercial airliner. Every successful business began adrift in a sea of risk. There were a multitude of things that could go wrong for every one that could go right. Many startup ventures fail, but a few grow, prosper, and eventually succeed. The only way to guarantee failure in a business venture is never to begin. If you launch your dream, you might fail. If you never start, you are guaranteed to fail. As you go through your day today, re-examine risk and safety. Never take a risk you don’t have to, but never play it safe when it guarantees your failure. Today’s the day! _________________ Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by e-mail at JimStovall@aol.com. Visit http://www.JimStovall.com -----------------------------
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