What makes taking risks so difficult? I’ve often heard clients, family, friends, and others talk about the difficulty in taking risks; in trying something difficult; in stepping into the unknown.Anxiety and trepidation is fueled by irrational thoughts. Thoughts like, “I can’t do that, it is far to difficult.” or “That’s not me, he can do that but I don’t have what it takes.” It is these thought processes or cognitions, as therapists call them, that hedge up and keep people from being bold; from doing things they hope and dream of doing but do not. What are you wanting to do but have not stepped up and done? What is holding you back, might it be the irrational internal beliefs that you can’t do it or doubts you’ve had? The age old adage, “as a man thinketh, so is he” hold true. Your thoughts very much influence what you believe and visa versa. Don’t allow your spirit to be bound by doubts and fears, but instead liberate it by stepping into the unknown. Take a risk and jump in, you’d be surprised how you can do it!
I recall a favorite gem from a book I read years ago that highlights this idea. “I think you really should make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.” – Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild … So it’s up to you, you can author a new chapter in the journey of your life. Start risking and leave the simple conformity and comfort and be bold with your aspirations. The human spirit feeds on new experiences, new challenges, and new opportunities. What are you avoiding or holding from back that you’ve wanted? Embrace your challenges, be bold!
Copyright: No part of this article in section or full may be reproduced without permission from the author Justin Stum, MS LMFT. The one and only exception is for educational purposes and only if the contact information below for the author is fully cited here in article. Justin Stum, MS LMFT, 640 E. 700 S., Suite 205B, St. George Utah 84770 435-574-9193, https://www.justinstum.com
