Being a Risk-taker

Claire Chung

What is risk-taking? It is a characteristic both you and I should have. Basically, it’s part of life. Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing so quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” Taking risks may be hard for some of us, but life will not be life if we take no risks, just like success not being  success without failures.

First, imagine that you went skydiving and has a parachute, a jumpsuit, an altimeter, and protective gears. Now that you have everything ready, why not jump down? How many times have you heard yourself saying “I’m not ready”? Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Have the courage to fake the moment and make it perfect. Let me tell you, that now is the time to walk out of your comfort zone and explore the world beyond. Let me tell you, that the person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing.

Second, imagine that you want to climb Mount Everest. Go climb the tallest mountain in Taiwan. If you succeed, climb a taller one. As the mountains you climb get taller and taller, you will be able to climb Mount Everest someday in the future. Have you ever noticed that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations? It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. You will gain strength, you will gain experience, you will gain failures, but you will notice, that you have taken a risk to try your patience and that you have walked further than any other person in mountain climbing.

Third, imagine that you are standing in front of an unknown forest, and you don’t even know how to go through it. Let me make it clear, that risk-taking does not violate the quote “Think before you leap”. So instead, you can consider traveling with a group of experts or friends where you will learn new things and experience teamwork. Anyways, you have the right to make choices for the risks you take, and this will make you a courageous, patient, and wise risk-taker.

Important fact to know: You will not be able to live life without risk-taking since it is a chance for you to try new things, to be a global citizen, to fail, to improve, to succeed, to show that you are different. You have greatness within you. And you are responsible for sharing that greatness with the world.  Strive for more risks, and you’ll end up with a victory or a lesson to victory. Be brave. Be patient. Be wise. Now you’re ready to dive into the sky. Now you’re ready to climb your first mountain. Now, you’re ready to travel through that unknown forest. Now, you are a risk-taker, and if you’re not, be one.

Thank you.