Playing it safe it not always the best thing to do if you are trying to make a change or get ahead.  Safe is, well, safe!  Sometimes one has to go out on a limb in order to move life forward.  So how does a person make smart choices in risk-taking?

• Establish the Goal:  Figure out what you want to achieve and develop specific, measurable objectives to reach the goal.  Have a solid idea of the results you are hoping to achieve.
• Consider Outcome Options:  In order to evaluate risk/reward ratio you have to try to determine both the best and worst outcomes.  What can you tolerate?  What if the worst thing happens?  All of us can accept the best result!
• Timetable:  When does it make sense to take the risk?  Are you ready to take that action? How long do you believe this process will actually take to complete?  Breaking the process into smaller, manageable segments helps tremendously.
• Benefit or Danger:  Anytime one attempts to make changes or take risks there is a tendency to focus on the danger over the benefit.  This often will create a fearfulness that stops one from moving forward.  Try to not get overwhelmed when times get tougher and realize the benefit of this risk will be helpful the rest of your days.
• Motivation:  Are you passionate about this goal?  Is the energy present to be consistent and persistent in doing the work required?  The more important the goal the higher the probability of success.
• Get Started:  All the plans in the world will not help if you avoid taking the action necessary for change.  Move from preparation to action to goal completion.  Watch as your energy increases as you get closer to the final goal.

Remember how powerful you are when you set your goals and put your mind to the process of achieving each goal.  You have the capacity to live the life you want so get started.  The end result is so worth it!

 “Only those who play win. Only those who risk win. History favors risk-takers and forgets the timid. Everything else is commentary.” ― Iveta Cherneva