A quote that has stuck with me personally especially since this past summer is, “risk is better than regret.” I believe that it is a very true statement, encouraging us to take something we are facing head on rather than wait it out. It makes two extremely important points. “Risk” tells us that we may fail while “regret” tells us we will never know that. There’s only one way to determine which is true and that is by taking a risk.
Why are “risks” so scary? Well, in certain situations, we as humans tend to fixate on the “what if” factor. We run through different outcomes of different scenarios in our heads from a to z of possibilities that could happen. This creates a tension in which builds up a fear when it comes to face whatever it is we’re scared of. The “what if” factor, haunts the mind as it tries to prepare itself for this moment. That being said, the brain labels that feeling of “fear” as “risk.” One wrong move, and everything is at risk. No matter how many times you played out these different situations in your head, there is going to be many more “what if’s” created. A risk could go one so many ways. It could have a positive outcome, negative, or even neutral. We cannot control that outcome, it is only when it is addressed we will finally know. Risk is good. Risk can lead to growth, provide clarity, and if the risk is reasonable it can teach you a valuable lesson.
So, why is it that most individuals do not jump on the “risk” train? Is it because they’re too scared?
Maybe it is because they’re too stressed by the “what if” factor? Or, maybe it is because they think silence will solve things. If we sit back and let our problems walk all over us, how will we know that it has been resolved? Based off of a gut feeling? The feeling that will come if you stay silent is regret.
The regret will linger, and it will take time to settle in and it will take time to fade away. If you never give yourself that chance, you’ll be plagued by this feeling of regret, so why not take that leap of faith?
Risk gives you the chance to gain much more than regret. Even if you were to have a negative outcome from taking a risk, you can utilize that attempt as information for the future. If you don’t let yourself have moments like these now, how is your future self going to know how to handle these things then? It isn’t a reckless concept, it provides closure and it is a great motto to remember.
