Risky Business: Wise or Foolish?

R-I-S-K. Risk! Scarey-scarity-scare!*

We all know becoming an entrepreneur is risky business. You can put a lot of time, money and heart into something that never gives it back. But should that stop a person from taking a risk?

Personal fitness trainers, group exercise trainers and other health and wellness entrepreneurs cannot be afraid of risk. They have to try new things, even when it looks like a climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Speaking from a personal trainer's perspective, isn't that what we expect from our clients?

Take for example the client who doesn't want to try jogging--outright refuses--but envies their neighbor for completing a race. They tell themselves that they can't--they just don't have enough cardiovascular experience. You and I know the truth. They could, but they're just not willing to take the risk of feeling weak, winded or embarrassed--or they don't want to do the work. But you and I know that if they never try, they'll never know their potential as a runner.

The same is with running a business. We have to risk investing a lot and geting back, well, sometimes nothing but a valuable lesson or a grateful smile. But without a multitude of valuable lessons and grateful smiles, you may never really go anywhere. The business becomes lifeless.

Professionally speaking. Take a risk. Take on a new challenge that could grow your business, up your professional value and attract new opportunities. You may not get it right the first time, but with perseverance, patience and the right attitude, you'll learn something each and every time! Every valuable lesson molds the runner within. I mean, sure! It takes some conditioning to run a couple of miles, but with just a little practice and a lot of heart, a novice jogger can reach beyond his or her original goal.

So don't be too scared to move outside of your comfort zone. You can be scared alright. (It will help you stay grounded and know your limit.) But have an open mind; take wise risks with a passionate heart. You'll exceed your potential!

"While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, another is busy making mistakes and becoming superior." - Henry C. Link

*from a family-favored children's book, Bear Flies High