Take a risk...don't let fear hold you back :-)

How many times have you held yourself back from an opportunity, situation or idea just because you though you might fail?

I know that I've been a culprit of it before! But the interesting thing is - as much as we try to subconsciously tell ourselves that something bad will happen if we don't succeed in whatever endeavour we are trying to achieve, that 'bad thing' is never as bad as we thought it would be.

If we are always holding ourselves back from attempting new things, how will we ever grow? Achieve? Succeed? And continue to expand our goals or dreams?

These situations can range from asking you boss for a pay rise, changing careers or jobs, dropping everything to travel the world, asking that ridiculously good looking guy if he fancies a coffee or even giving a new skill or hobby a go. But each of these situations as just as important, and potentially life changing as the next.

Think about a moment in your life when you wanted to try something new. Do you also remember a time when you actually gave it a go and it turned out to be one of the best decisions you have ever made? Now think of that and remember that satisfied feeling when you start to feel the 'nerves of change' start to creep up through your veins!

Next time you find yourself looking at a situation that is making you anxious enough to feel as if you shouldn't be doing it, think about the following.
- Try to picture the worst possible outcomes that could occur if you go ahead with what you wanted to do.
- Now, picture the best possible outcomes that could occur.
- Now - look back at the worst possible outcomes thinking about the likelihood that they will occur. Even if they do occur, will it really be that bad? If your boss says 'no' to that pay rise, will that damage your future in your chosen profession? I think not.

The big thing is remembering that even if whatever it is you attempt doesn't quite work out perfectly, just take a second to have a look at what you learnt from it. You may have discovered more about yourself; likes, dislikes, strengths and weakness'. You may have found yourself in a position you never imagined, but a position which you are more satisfied with than you planned!

Life is full of risks. If we never take them, living in the fear that we will fail and 'life will fall in a heap' is no way to explore the magic and potential of the world.
Taking risks builds your confidence in yourself, and shows you that you actually are strong enough to achieve the things you set for yourself.

Why not? I dare you! Xxx