Have you ever heard of the principle of inertia?
People often explain the idea using Newtonian law: An object at rest tends to stay at rest, while an object in motion tends to stay in motion. When it comes to human behavior, this principle explains why it’s often easier to stay on the sofa and continue watching more episodes. We all know about “binge-watching” these days!
However, this also underlines the importance of risk-taking. When we get comfortable — whether in a role, a relationship, or a career — it’s easier to stay there. Our brains and bodies are wired for homeostasis (a state of relative stability). So when we feel comfortable, anything that takes us away from that state seems like a risk.
Unfortunately, just because we’re comfortable with our current state doesn’t mean that we’re thriving. In order to flourish, we need to have a sense of accomplishment and opportunities for growth. That means stepping out of our comfort zone. Homeostasis may be “comfortable,” but it’s also a fertile ground for complacency and eventual languishing. Nothing’s wrong, per se — but we’re not growing and changing, either.
Newton’s law of motion comes with a caveat — objects tend to stay in their current state, unless acted on by an external force. For all the folks that feel “stuck in a rut,” taking the right kind of risks can be just the force they need to get moving again.
7 benefits of taking risks
1. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment
It might feel scary to start, but taking a risk — even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned — can be exhilarating. You’ll be proud of yourself for your bravery. You will have pleasantly surprised yourself, and that’s awesome. We all need that shake-up every now and again.
2. Erase old stories
Sometimes, we grow up with beliefs or assumptions about ourselves and the way the world works that don’t serve us. We often stop questioning these assumptions as we get settled into our careers — but they may still be running the show.
Taking risks can help you create evidence to disprove those old stories that may not be serving you anymore. Even if you wouldn’t change a single thing about your life, releasing those negative thoughts can be wonderfully freeing.
3. You’ll learn more about yourself
What do you like to do? What makes you happy? What are your values? If you were checking into a hotel at three in the morning and you didn’t speak the local language, and they didn’t have your reservation, what would you do?
Okay, that last one was a bit specific. But taking risks challenges you in big and small ways. As you have new experiences, you learn more about who you are and what drives your behavior. New challenges give out a chance to impress yourself and grow.
4. Increases confidence
With each new challenge and risk, you’ll become convinced of your own ability to handle evolving circumstances. This will make you a more confident, flexible person and a better leader. Improved confidence (tested through experience) can also have a positive effect on your decision-making skills.
5. Opens up new opportunities
Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to all sorts of new opportunities, both professionally and personally. You might find yourself opening your own business or becoming a trendsetter in your industry.
6. Builds resilience
Taking risks can also help you learn how to handle adverse outcomes and setbacks, making you more resilient in the face of adversity. You’ll know that you can thrive no matter what happens, and become more adept at finding multiple routes to success.
7. No regrets
Finally, calculated risks are often worth taking, even if they don’t always result in positive outcomes. Without taking them, we would never know what could have been. Folks that take risks very regularly in their lives (yes, they do exist, and I’m not talking about the adrenaline junkies that jump out of planes and scale sky-high mountains), tend to be happier with themselves, as opposed to the non-risktakers.
Louis Grassi 