English businessman and investor, Richard Branson, said, “Every risk is worth taking as long as it’s for a good cause, and contributes to a good life.” Risk is taking a step into the unknown. Yes, they may be scary at first, but ultimately, they lead us to great things. While there are so many unknowns on the horizon, we believe the 5 risks below are worth taking to ensure a life full of happiness and joy.
Take a Chance on Doing the Right Thing
While others may not always notice the good things you do, don’t stop from doing them—and doing more of them. Most of your contributions won’t be realized by others, but it doesn’t matter, because they will make you feel good. And most importantly, it’s the right thing to do. Put in the effort, be authentic, be kind, and take care of the people around you, even when no one is watching.
Take a Chance on Love
You don’t need to go out in search of love—it’s all around you. Most significantly, it’s within you. People will experience more joy and happiness in their lives when they feel good about themselves without the need for another’s approval. Focus on loving yourself fully and deeply, without the need to prove anything to anyone else, without the need to be validated by anyone anywhere. If you truly own yourself (and don’t care about what others think), you’ll never lead yourself astray.
Take a Chance on Second Chances
Too often we get wrapped up in our failures and give up too early. Don’t stop here. Don’t give up after you fail. You will never know what you can accomplish until you stand up and do it. There is so much valuable wisdom we learn in each one of our failures. Think of failure as an opportunity to accomplish even more the next time around. Be excited and look forward.
Take a Chance on Others
When faced with a particular situation or opportunity, have you found yourself asking, “Well, what’s in it for me?” We hate to break it to you, but this notion leads to nothing but unhappiness. At the core, only dejected and unavailing are still asking, “What’s in it for me?”
When our time on this Earth is done, remember that your achievements will not be measured by the amount of money you made, how much faster you ran than someone, or how much higher you climbed; the only thing that will remain is the impact you’ve left by helping the people around you. Success leads to happiness when you raise up others with you. There is an invaluable sense of happiness we experience when we help others. Lend a hand whenever you can. And lend it as often as you can.
Take a Chance on You
You are here and you are important. You are needed. Fight for what you deserve, and be strong enough to recognize when it’s time to let go. We will all face obstacles—you may get pushed down to depths you never thought possible, but you’ll learn that when you finally get up, you are standing taller than you ever had before. Sometimes, your tears will have to cleanse your eyes so the vision of the possibilities in front of you are clearer. Don’t settle.
Be true to yourself, respect yourself, and be dignified. To truly love and respect yourself you’ll need to trust who you are and recognize your principles. When your sense of self is clear, be courageous enough to act upon your beliefs. Get in the driver’s seat and start doing. You and you alone are responsible for your life, so take control.
Don’t be fearful of the unknown and don’t be fearful to invest in yourself. Need help getting over the hurdle and finally taking some risks in your life? A trusted KEEN Advisor is here for you to help guide you to achieve the life you want and deserve.
