12 Most Universal Truths: Taking Successful Life Risks

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At many times in our lives we’re asked to make a change, take a risk. It’s a scary proposal. Whether the influences come from within or from outside influences, risk taking is a part of our lives.

It’s uncomfortable and downright scary to take a risk and make a change. From my own experience, I can say that the greatest accomplishments in my life have come from the times I’ve laid myself bare, vulnerable to change; allowing it to happen.

I want to share with you the 12Most universal truths about risk that I’ve learned and hopefully they’ll give you encouragement to continue on your journey. No fear. Only growth.

1. Universal safety net

Many spiritual texts and leaders speak about the universal net of safety that is created when we jump into the unknown. It is essential for growth to jump into the pool of life and learn how to swim.

Are you considering taking a big risk in your life? Does it feel necessary? If it is, then you are ready for all the changes about to come your way. Jump into that pool! You may not be able to see the bottom but trust me, it’s there and it’s solid and it will support you. But first, you must make the decision to jump.

2. Commitment

Throw out Plan B. If you have a plan B in the back of your mind, you’re giving the message to everyone you encounter and to the universe in general that you don’t need support because you’ve created your own safety net. In short, if you have a Plan B, you’ll probably end up doing Plan B. If you enjoy Plan B, that’s fantastic! And perhaps it’s what you were meant to be doing.

People respond to a true commitment on your part with compliance on theirs. If you are committed to your goal, to your dream creation, you will have the exponential support of everyone whom you come into contact with. Regardless of what they voice or how the act, at a deeper level they take you seriously and respect your strength of conviction.

3. Support

How do you find the right support? Short answer, you don’t. Support will appear. Sometimes that support comes in the voices of those around you telling you to beware of the pitfalls they’ve experienced in their life by taking risks. Pay attention to their experience but don’t let fear be your guide.

If you’re desire to change and to take this next risk in your life is true, you will begin to see a shift in support as people who are like minded and understanding of what it is you’re about to endeavor draw nearer. New people, new thoughts, new strength and support will come to you.

4. Negate fear

Acting out of fear is not helpful. Yes, it’s important to be aware of the possible pitfalls and to do everything in your power to avoid them. It is not wise, however, to act from fear; to make decisions based on fear avoidance or to allow the voices of fear to cloud your inner vision.

Carry on with your personal journey. Be aware. Act from a place of loving service.

5. Modesty prevails

Modesty does not only mean wearing skirts that cover your ankles. Modesty is the ability to know what the right thing is for you to do and then to follow through and do it.

Be modest in all your decisions. One right decision will inform the next. You will see growth.

6. Passion for service

Risk can be taken for personal gain but the universe simply doesn’t respond very well over time to self-centered intention. If others must suffer for you to prevail, then you’re setting yourself up for future suffering.

Instead, look at what it is you have a desire to do. Ask yourself how can I use this information or skill set to serve the greater number? The answer will become your guiding principal upon which decisions can be made.

7. Appropriate mentors

Your best friend, your mom, your office buddy. These people offer a different perspective than the one you’re needing right now. If they already had the answers for you, this next decision to grow wouldn’t feel like much of a risk.

Open yourself up to the possibility of a new mentor. Reach out to those who are already doing what you’d like to accomplish. Ask as many questions as they will tolerate answering. Learn from those ahead of you. Find out their experience. Learn from it. Adapt your approach. Create something new!

8. Manage the flow

Remain open to change. Often times we begin down a new path in life and we think we’re headed towards a certain job, mate or accomplishment. Oftentimes, this initial vision was simply the impetus needed to get us off our butts and moving forward.

When the path begins to twist and turn, don’t be afraid. Simply take a few moments of self-reflection. Ask yourself what’s being presented and what new opportunities are in front of you. How do they play into your decision of service?

9. Attainable goals

I’d like to donate excess monies to the charities of my choice. I’d like to travel the world giving inspirational speeches at high schools and colleges. To inspire, to give, to create generates avenues for revenue for those in need. Those are all worthy goals. But I must be willing to take the appropriate steps to achieve them. There is much for me to learn to get from my laptop to a podium. I set attainable goals for myself. The end results may change but my growth remains constant. New opportunities to be of service will arise.

This is the great adventure. Meet the goals you can meet today and let tomorrow’s goals reveal themselves in due time.

10. Failure doesn’t exist

Learn and grow from mistakes. I’ve made many mistakes. This is why I offer my services for mentoring. It’s because of these mistakes that I have something valuable to offer. I can give the information I’ve gathered from the school of trial and error and help someone else achieve even more than I.

Isn’t that the goal? We learn from each other. We help each other succeed. We build upon experience. Give yours away to someone today. Be a mentor today. It’s important. It’s imperative that you give while you receive.

11. Create opportunity for help to arrive

When people ask me, how can I help. My gut reaction is to say, “I don’t know what help I need but I need your moral support.” That’s fine. But it isn’t very effective. Usually I’ll get a “good going girl” email message, which is helpful, but it doesn’t meet my actual needs.

For me, that vagueness around need comes from a place of fear. I don’t want to ask anyone to do for me what I feel I should know how to do for myself. Many hours were spent in therapy figuring that out. I’m glad I did the work to uncover my fear of receiving help because today when people ask how can I help you I respond with clear needs. I know today what I am capable of doing and I know where I have failings. I also know that I’m not supposed to 100% self-sufficient. That’s what community building is all about!

So today, I stay open to help by being aware of the help I need and stepping out of my fear of voicing it. As I usually tell my friends, the worst they can say is no. And that only leaves me with more information. Don’t be afraid of no.

12. Work effectively

Ever hit your head on the proverbial brick wall? I have. I’ve done it for years at a time. I never walk away completely from a brick wall but now I do put it aside in search of new tools. I go back to what comes easily for me. I rest, gather my resources and then go back to the wall with renewed strength and knowledge and bust through it. It takes time, patience and perseverance.

All brick walls are breakable. Usually the vaporizer can be found within. A change of thinking or a change of approach.

So, go ahead and risk today. The worst case scenario is that you’ll grow and that’s what we’re all here to do! Big or small, risk guides us all toward our higher potential.

Featured image courtesy of mnapoleon licensed via Creative Commons.

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