Entrepreneurship is an inherently risk-based profession. Every day you're risking your own future on the power of your personal work ethic, market conditions and other factors -- some within your control, many outside of it -- that you will succeed.
So when you’re facing risk or feeling the apprehension of it on the horizon, here are five inspiring quotes about risk that will help you manage the ambiguity of an unknown future and forge ahead in confidence.
1. “Some men see things as they are and say, ‘Why?’ I dream of things that never were, and say, ‘Why not?” -- George Bernard Shaw
For most entrepreneurs, the dream of your future lies in a present or past moment where you asked, “what if?” Great innovation comes from asking what could be. Don’t be afraid to start questioning the status quo of all things and take a risk to see your dream into reality.
Related: Are You a Risk-Taker or Just Reckless?
With great risk often comes great reward. There are failures, setbacks and even complete start-over’s along the way, but if you don’t risk something, you’ll never gain anything. Take a chance and see what rewards might come out of that courageous decision.
No one is going to blame you for being scared when big risks come your way. You’ll need to weigh them appropriately and come up with your own assessment about whether they’re intelligent gambles. When you’re staring calculated risk in the face it can still feel scary, but know that in times of fear and challenge you often learn and grow the most. Rise to meet the risk you’re facing head-on and know that whatever the outcome, you’ll be better off in some way for having taken the challenge.
Related: Richard Branson on Taking Risks
With the risk comes the magic that often arises from succeeding at big challenges. Somehow the greatest solutions, biggest innovations and best breakthroughs seem to always come personally and professionally when you risk the unknown and forge out, not forgetting your fear but embracing it and choosing to move forward in spite of it. There is most certainly a genius to being bold. Remember this great good that comes along with risk.
5. “Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” -- Helen Keller
The very nature of life is uncertain. Watching any good wildlife documentary will help you realize this to be true. It can help take the sting out of risk to remember the natural order of life is risk and reward. Sometimes we fail, other times we succeed, but there is evolution in continuing to go forward. Don’t settle for a false sense of security by shrinking from the right risks. Live bold and have a daring adventure every day.