Toastmasters Project 2 (Take risks)

                                            

I was tired of hearing people say that I don’t take risks. One day I asked myself, “are they right?” and to my   surprise, the answer that came from my heart was yes. So, I decided to find out what are risks and should we take risks.

Dear toastmasters, a ship is safe in harbor but that is not ships are made for. This line clearly depicts the importance of risk. Risk is the potential of losing something of value weighedk is also a positive thing even if you fail. Certainly you want to be sure to move ahea against the potential to gain something of value. It involves uncertainty.

Going deep into analysis of risks, I pointed out three main reasons which affect a person’s ability to take risks. I will explain them one by one:

1.  Myth of security: If we think of risk as anything with a questionable outcome then pretty much everything we do has certain amount of risk associated with it. This world is an inherently risky place with unpredictable twists & turns, regardless of how many safeguards we put into place to avoid them. Somehow we have got the idea that possibility of safety exists. One of my teachers had lost his money in bank, the safest place in the world to keep money.
2.  Facing fear and failure: If self-esteem and an ecstatic sense of vitality are the sunny side of risk, fear and failure are shadowy sides. The old saying “if you are not failing, you are probably not trying hard enough” certainly applies here. Taking appropriate level of risk with a safety gear and a backup plan. Tricky thing about fear is that sometimes it delivers message of wisdom. It tells you, “Slow down, you are driving too fast”   While at other times, it is just a bad habit.
3. Discomfort, not danger: When anyone talks of risk, we start thinking about sky diving, rock climbing. These are the adventurous activities in which a false move can mean death of the dramatic kind. In my opinion, risk doesn't mean to involve danger, it involves only uncertainty. It tells us to move out of our comfort zone to create wonders. There are possible positive outcomes of risks as well, otherwise why would we take them.

Let me share a story to throw more light on importance of risk:

Two seeds lay side by side. One of them said, “I want to grow”. I want to send my roots deep inside the soil beneath me and thrust my sprouts through the earth’s crust above me. I want to unfurl my tender buds as banners to welcome arrival of spring. I want to feel the warmth of the sun and bless of morning dew on my petals and she grew.

The second seed said,” I am afraid. If I send my roots into the ground below, I don’t know what I will encounter in the dark. If I push my way through the hard soil, it may damage my delicate sprouts.  And what if I let my buds open, a snail tries to eat them. No, it is much better to wait inside until it is safe and she waited. A hen found the seed and ate it.
Story clearly reflects the saying,” Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up.”  
    
So, what is    the point of my long speech? Take risks. If an opportunity presents itself to you, just go for it. You have so much more to lose by not giving the chance to push yourself to indulge in new experiences. Growth can come in waves if you just make that first dip into new waters. So, I would like to end my speech with an inspiring line of Steve Jobs:
“Stay Hungary, Stay Foolish”.