If there is one area in life that many people struggle with, it is that of taking a risk. The reason is that risk creates fear, and fear prompts inaction.
Here is a simple and practical system (procedure) to deal with risks.
Look at any situation where a decision needs to be made. It makes no difference what the decision is—be it taking a vacation, purchasing something, or some action. Ask yourself three questions:
- As a result of taking this action, what is the best thing that can happen?
Then flip the coin:
- As a result of taking this action, what is the worst thing that can happen?
Then use some moderation by asking,
- What is the most likely thing that will happen?
In the majority of times, the worst thing doesn’t happen. Since the best thing may not happen, negotiate somewhere down the middle.
Then reflect: If the most likely thing to happen can get you closer to what you want, and if you are willing to deal with the worst thing that can happen for a chance of getting the best thing that can happen, go for it.
But if you cannot deal with the worst thing that can happen, it doesn’t matter what is the best thing that can happen. Close the issue and move on.
