I don’t think of myself as much of a risk-taker. Of course, that depends in large part on what I consider risky and what I deem to be just another part of life.
In common usage, the concept of risk-taking applies to challenges, goals we set for ourselves, and things that are maybe a bit questionable. For instance, starting a business after retirement might be considered a bit risky to some people. I don’t perceive it that way. Oh, but I am putting my future security at risk, aren’t I? Investing money in a business could prove to be a big mistake. I could have approached it from that point of view, I suppose.
But, I didn’t. To me, putting time, effort, and a bit of money into my own small business was something I wanted to do, something I wanted to try — regardless of the outcome. I wanted to succeed, of course, yet at the same time I wasn’t overly concerned about failing. I wasn’t putting everything on the line. I was making a reasonable investment in something I believed in. So, where was the risk?
To me, a risk involves danger or potential loss. Would I go bungee jumping? Nope. I would consider that too risky, even though thousands of people do it every year. Would I join a mountain-climbing expedition? Of course not. That would be far too risky, much too dangerous — even a small mountain would be too challenging. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate, though, to climb a hill, to hike for miles, to sleep out under the stars.
I think I tend to see risk as equivalent to a foolish chance. Give me 100 pills and tell me one of them is cyanide, and I won’t dare touch any of them. I’m cautious. I won’t take chances like that.
In looking back over recent months, the riskiest thing I’ve done was probably making curried chicken. I’d never tried Indian cuisine before — either cooking or eating. Would I like it? Would my husband eat it? I had no idea, but I had a recipe in hand, and I decided to take my chances. As it turned out, my husband and I both enjoyed the dish, and I’ve since used curry in other recipes, too. I took a risk, and we broadened our horizons somewhat as a result.
You’re laughing. I can hear you. Chicken curry? A risk?
Yep, for me, it was. I was risking my reputation as a good cook, putting my meal time on the line. Not much of a risk, I know, and that’s my point. I’m not a risk-taker. I prefer not to take too many chances. I’ve never been one to court danger or invite possible harm.
The chances I take in life are ones in which I have some measure of control over the outcome. Like starting up a little business of my own. I’m doing well with it. I’m making sales. I’m enjoying what I do. I was willing to make a reasonable investment in return for a reasonable amount of success. Where’s the risk in that?
So, again, no, I’m not a risk taker. I’ll leave that to the daredevils of the world, and the only risks I’ll worry about will be ones in my kitchen. I guess that sounds silly to most folks, but I’m glad that I can get my thrills in life from something as simple as a new recipe.
Question 1: What was one of my first money-making jobs?
Bonus question: What am I grateful for from last week, and what am I looking forward to in the week coming up?
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