Take A Chance
When you put yourself out there (emotional risk taking), it can be scary! All sorts of fears develop: fear of being judged, worry you’ll get hurt, concern that you might be rejected. Taking risks requires a certain level of susceptibility and often leads to self-doubt & increased anxiety. And yet…
Emotional risk taking may also lead to personal growth, creating new connections with others, and can help establish stronger levels of trust and intimacy. When you take the opportunity to open yourself up to others, and “be real”, the payoff can be spectacular.
Consider all the chances you’ve passed up by not taking an emotional risk. Sharing an idea, leaving a toxic relationship, asking to be heard, falling in love, moving, changing jobs, doing something by yourself, asking for help, trying something new, or being your authentic self.
When you cannot control the outcome, it takes courage to be vulnerable and move beyond your comfort zone. Especially when things do not go the way you hope for or expect.
APPROACH EMOTIONAL RISK-TAKING, SAFELY
Write down areas of your life that you would like to change. Are there situations that you are not being honest with yourself about or where you are blaming circumstances for your problems?
Commit to trying - consciously step outside your comfort zone and challenge a habit or belief.
Start small – choose something that feels somewhat doable and doesn’t put too much on the line.
Stay open minded – be open to doing something a different way than you have in the past.
Focus on the act, not the outcome – it’s about trying, not necessarily succeeding.
Choose the setting wisely – decide where or with whom you are least afraid of being vulnerable.
Anticipate – before opening yourself up, consider how things might go or how others might react.
Weigh the pros & cons – what is the risk vs reward? Ask, “Can I cope with disappointment?”
Face fear – you can survive discomfort, embarrassment and rejection. The best way to grow is by moving beyond the things we most fear.
Accept yourself – everyone has flaws. No one has it all together. Do not allow others’ judgements or negativity hamper you in speaking up or trying something new.
Most importantly, think about how you would feel if you didn’t take the risk. Regret often hurts more than disappointment. Being happy isn’t necessarily about achieving complete success or choosing what others think is best. It’s about feeling good that you tried and that you are true to yourself.
Once you have taken an emotional risk, congratulate yourself! Note what worked or didn’t work and use that information to improve your risk-taking in the future.