Are You A Risk Taker?
By: Lexi Smith
Last week my friend Vanessa posted on Facebook about taking risks. She is excited about a new chapter in her life and all of the promises the future holds. I wanted that spark of energy!! I wanted to double plus LIKE her status!! And then I thought about my own life. “Am I a risk taker?”
It seems that I am when my back is up against the wall; but not when it comes to taking risks that might change/improve my daily outlook on life. For example, a couple of inspired women wanted to do a leadership building cruise and invited me to go along. The cost = very reasonable, the company = amazing, and I was vacillating about going. The risks: Will they like me after 5 days at sea? Can I really afford the time/money to go? Is it a worthwhile use of 5 vacation days? Can I loose 5 pounds fast enough to look good in a bathing suit? Will I have anything to contribute? The answer to all of those questions is YES . . . I booked the cruise.
As I deliberated on my decision and my ability to take risks, Dr. Barbara Schwarck, executive coach – Clear Intentions International – posted on her blog: “How do I turn my negativity around?” This is serious risk taking. It means committing yourself to a new way of thinking and behaving. Here are her guidelines:
Take a few days to observe your negativity. Just watch yourself and take note of it. Are there times when you are more negative? What is going on? After you have observed yourself, take a few days to commit yourself to staying positive. What is it going to take for you to do that? What was it like? What did it produce?
I’m going to do this. It’s a risk. Committing myself to stay positive . . . even good change is hard. What are you going to risk? If you join me on the journey to turn negativity around, Barbara would love for you to share the experience on her blog – and we would too.
Lexi Smith is a lifestyle guru for the woman seeking positive change. She is owner and creative director of Being Fabulous!, a consultation and personal shopping service designed to help clients achieve a higher quality of life by finding their own signature style.