Risk, as it relates to your investment portfolio is something a lot of people are fairly familiar with. To achieve a higher return, many people are willing to take more risk. Those who take less risk in their investments, generally don’t experience the higher level of returns as people at the other end of the risk spectrum. Of course, there are people who want it all, myself included. But that low risk/high return environment doesn’t produce that outcome in the real world very often.

When it comes to life, how does risk come into play? Through my work with my wealth and life coaching clients, I’ve found that risk is harder to embrace than most people expect. There are often different parts of our life, things we want to change about ourselves, about the way we’re experiencing life, things that we don’t like that are occurring, whether that be relationship issues, boredom, lack of joy, or even legacy.

If we want to grow and develop or become a different kind of person, it’s risky! It requires a level of vulnerability. At some level, we’re exposing who we are, stepping into the unknown. When I find myself in these situations, I remind myself of the statement my trainer’s used over the years, “No pain, no gain.”  If I don’t have some form of pain in the gym, I’ll call that risk for this conversation; I’m not gonna see the results in the gym I want to see. It’s the same thing in life; you don’t expose yourself to some pain or risk, you’re not going to be able to create the life you want to lead, at least not in my experience. So I’ll ask you the question I ask many of my coaching clients:

If you could do anything that aligns your life with your values, your talents, and skills, what would you do? Most people struggle with that question and struggle mightily.

The first thing I typically hear  is, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about it.” Or maybe something a little more socially acceptable, where no one will question me on it.” They’re worried more about what other people think, and what that results in, is a more muted level of living.

What would be a couple of things you could do to explore that idea of risk as it relates to your life, right now? Are there things that might move you in the direction of a life that has more sense of purpose, more meaning, more aligned to who you want to be, and who you want to become? The kind of person and life you want to live, and maybe even the kind of gifting you want to bring to the world?

So here’s a challenge from me to you:

Give yourself the freedom to dream a richer life. Grab your journal and give yourself an opportunity to answer the question, “If I could do anything, what would it be?”

Be aware of the emotions that might bring up for you. It might bring up fear; it might bring up anxiety and worry. It also might bring up some real excitement, and passion, and joy, and some feelings you haven’t felt in a long time. It might bring a smile to your face, and put a little twinkle in your eye. Write these down too.

Consider taking one small step towards that risk. It doesn’t have to be a grand step. You don’t have to go all the way to the outcome.

Doing this might require some faith in yourself. It might require something bigger than yourself, like spiritual faith.

I would challenge and encourage you to not wait another minute, but to get started today. Step towards the risk, instead of protecting yourself from it, like you might in your investments. Step towards that risk just a little bit. I promise you; it’s a place that you’re going to find fulfillment. You’re going to find your definition of living a truly wealthy life. Thanks a lot for listening today, and I hope this helps and inspires you. Take care!