The Art of Risk (Part 2)
Click here for The Art of Risk (Part 1)
In The Art of Risk (part 1), I discussed the often difficult decision-making process in deciding whether it is a good idea to take a personal or professional risk. Still, it’s never easy to make a final decision, especially if it could be a life-altering one.
Nevertheless, are you still standing on the edge of that mountain, bungee cord attached but still ready to turn around and go home?
This self-text will help you decide if it is worth taking that risk.
The Risk-Assessment Test
First, think about a specific risk you have been deliberating on taking, or on the fence about, but have not yet made a decision. Answer the following questions. At the end of the test, I will tell you whether or not the risk is worth taking.
Whether you do or do not eventually take this risk, however, I assume no responsibility in what happens to you! These results are merely for guidance, and I am in no way suggesting that you must do anything as a result of your taking this test! Take this risk-assessment test at your own risk.
Whew! That makes me feel better.
1 – Are you truly unhappy in your current situation?
Yes
No
2 – Do you find yourself coming up with reasons or justifying to yourself why you should take the risk?
Yes
No
3 – Do you/would you get irritated when/if people suggest to you that you should not take the risk?
Yes
No
4 – Is there a very low chance that taking the risk will put you in physical harm?
Yes
No
5 – Do you feel stuck in a rut in your current life?
Yes
No
6 – Do you tend to be fairly fearful of change?
Yes
No
7 – Do you have at least a few close friends that you know would support you if you took the risk?
Yes
No
8 – Are you truly willing to irreversibly change your current situation by taking the risk? Really think about this one.
Yes
No
Results
Count your total number of “yes” responses for your score.
0-2 – You are probably best off not taking the risk at hand. Temptation is a common thing, but there are a lot of factors working against you. Reassess what it is that drew you to this risk. Perhaps you can deal with those issues specifically by taking smaller risk.
3-4 – It is worth getting more information about the risk at hand. What would you really stand to lose? What could taking the risk get you? What could you accomplish by taking this risk that you couldn’t accomplish by not taking it? Give it a bit more time if you can.
5-6 – Go for it. It may be difficult at first, and you may need some time to adjust once you take this risk, but in the end it will be worth it.
7-8 – What are you waiting for? I’m surprised you even took this assessment! Your new life is waiting for you.
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