RISK IS NOT YOUR ENEMY
Irrational risk is. Don’t bet the farm. But in order to move forward in life, you do have to have something at risk at all times. Risk is part of life. If you constantly try to avoid risk, risk may find you. In fact, the world is not static, so what may seem safe today, could be outdated tomorrow. Detroit was the birthplace of mass production and the Silicon Valley of its day. During the 1930’s, 1940’’s and 1950’s, it experienced its Golden Age. But then customer preferences changed. Not moving with the times, proved fatal. In this world, it’s eat or be eaten. Nothing is permanent. No, Sir.
You have to accept uncertainty and try to deal with it. It’s chaos out there. No real loyalty exists. Stay flexible, keep moving, and ride the Big Waves as they are coming your way. These Waves come and go, so if you don’t seize them, you lose them. These Waves may even offer genuine Breakout Opportunities! Rapid change requires a strategy of trial and error, which does not exclude real planning. Of course, some things are simply not meant to be, but life goes on. Next! You cannot change history anyway, but you can try to shape your future.
Why are so many people, who aren’t better than you, so much ‘luckier’ than you? They’re just in the right place at the right time, right? No, it’s all about willingness. The willingness to make sacrifices and pay the price. Because that increases the likelihood, that you are in the right place at the right time! Never rest on your laurels. You’re a work in progress at all times. If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. Indeed, you may have to run twice as fast, just to stay even. Otherwise, you could be obsolete tomorrow.
The biggest risk in life is inertia and complacency. You have to be action and results oriented. Life is being judged by results. The world couldn’t care less about you and your situation, if you fail to show results. Feeling tired? Get people to help you or make sure, that there is new blood in your team. Are they rowing in the same direction? A solo game doesn’t work. Nobody is self-made. That just makes a good story. Life is not all about me, me me. Now, that’s really risky!
RICK SCHMULL
October 22nd, 2014
WESTCLIFF-On-SEA, Essex, U.K.
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