The World Needs You to Take a Risk | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Featured

The World Needs You to Take a Risk

Being uncomfortable isn't always a bad thing.

971
The World Needs You to Take a Risk
Unsplash

I was inspired to write this post because of an amazing TedTalk that Luvvie Ajayi gave called “Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable." I didn’t know who Luvvie was before watching this talk, but afterward, I couldn’t stop thinking about what a cool person she is. She takes risks, lives large and makes a difference.

I really liked what she said about how people, like herself, who speak out and say things that everybody else is afraid to say, are not without fear. I think we all know that one person who says what needs to be said without caring about the backlash that may come. It might seem like these people are a rare breed, but that isn’t the case. We can all be these people. We all need to be these people.

It’s easy to stand back and watch these brave people, let them do the talking, and not even think to join in. You might be thinking exactly the same thing as them, but just assume that they will stand up and do the right thing.

We need people who are willing to stand up and take action for the things that they believe in. This talk by Luvvie is so incredibly relevant to today's world because we need more of the people who are willing to take risks for the greater good.

An easy example of these people includes those who stand up against bullies when nobody else does. They are the ones who speak out against injustices and talk about things no one else wants to talk about.

There are so many important topics in the world that need to be addressed yet are avoided by people due to the fear of messing up. Sometimes people get scared to share their ideas because of the fear of being wrong, the fear of facing a backlash.

This fear is keeping us from creating change. Somebody needs to speak up, and we can’t always rely on other people to be that person. The person speaking needs to be us. We need to learn to be the first one to offer the opinion in discussions, the first one to call out a lie, the first one to stand up and take a chance.

Even when we are confident about what we have to say, there is almost always a lingering thought of: “but what if I’m wrong?” Well, maybe you are wrong, but at least you tried in good faith. We need to learn to let people be wrong without automatically putting them down. We need to give them a chance to learn, let them make a mistake, let them take a risk.

It’s hard but certainly true that the only way to make a significant impact is to put yourself out there and take a chance. I believe that everybody has something to say about what's important to them. The challenge comes with getting it out in the open and not being terrified of messing up. It’s okay to not know everything and to be continually learning.

The biggest thing that I took away from Luvvie's talk was to start thinking about what I’m scared of and do exactly that. Doing what I fear is the only way to start something great. Much easier said than done, I know, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try.

The best way to do this is to start out small and work your way up. One thing I want to work on is speaking out immediately when I have something important to say. I can’t let myself overthink and let the moment pass.

A big part of taking risks is jumping in without overthinking it. Wanting something to be perfect before it is done is no way to start. Perfection is the opposite of risk-taking. A lot of the time the risk might not turn out very good, but then you just try again.

Next time you find yourself afraid or hesitant to do something, try your best to do it. The world needs you to not be afraid of failure. Who knows what you could accomplish if you just took a chance.

Report this Content
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181046
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7966
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453018
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23618
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments