Playing it safe

Mitigating risks is part of the planning process. When planning for anything in life rarely do we throw caution to the wind and risk it all. A thoughtful person usually will contemplate the desired outcome weighed against the risk associated with the path towards the desired goal. Insurance is the hedge against the risk. You buy homeowners or car insurance not because you think your house will likely burn down someday or your car will surely become involved in an accident. Insurance is the backstop against the hazards that are present in everyday life. But can we be too cautious and too focused on the hazards and the risks? By limiting the risk of life are we limiting living a full life. By no means am I suggesting that you forgo life insurance or drive uninsured vehicles. That is not what I am getting at but what I am trying to point out is that life presents great opportunities for experiences that far outweigh the potential risks. To live a fully actualized life requires a person fully live life and not cower in fear of the darkness that may exist. Personal growth is only achieved from a desire to grow and not from a lack or fear of lack of something. Is it risky to push yourself towards personal growth? Is is safer to hunker down and build the walls up around you? Yes it is to both of these questions. But like investing or most things in life there is a balance necessary between risk and reward. Is the risk worth the desired goal or reward should be the question that is asked. Planning is necessary but action is required. Seeking growth has some risks but failing to venture from your comfort zones insures a static life. Time is limited so it must be utilized efficiently to ensure success. Don’t at age 85 look back and say I wish I would have done this or experienced that. You don’t need to risk it all with one throw of the dice but you do need to play the game to have the opportunity to win. So if you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting to fully experience life, don’t wait too long your safe harbor may not let your ship sail.