Why We Need To Take Risks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why We Need To Take Risks

You will never know what could have become if you surrender to the fear of taking a risk.

90
Why We Need To Take Risks
Madison Zoey Vettorino

Life, intrinsically, is risky.

Why? Because life asks us to make decisions, and when you make a decision, you have to ask yourself if you are going to do what is comfortable or if you’re going to step out of your comfort zone, wear your heart on your sleeve, and go for it without the guarantee that it will all work out.

It is risky to put yourself out there knowing you’ve been hurt before. It is risky to apply to dozens of internships. It is risky to wear that dress you love but are not sure you can pull off. These things are all risky because there’s no saying that they’re all going to work out.

Maybe you put yourself out there only to get let down again. Maybe you apply to the internships and don’t get one call back, and you feel extremely discouraged. Maybe you wear that dress and feel less than confident the entire time and wish you didn't. All of these things may, and very well could, happen. But wouldn’t it break your heart more knowing that you didn’t even have the tenacity to give it a try?

Because maybe you put yourself out there and end up really connecting with the people around you. Maybe you apply for the internships and actually land the one of your dreams. Maybe you wear that dress and get tons of compliments. But there’s one simple fact: you will never know what could have become if you surrender to the fear of taking a risk, and instead let yourself be bullied by your fears into an existence of mediocrity. What if the risk you take ends up being the best adventure of your life?

Obviously, I am not suggesting to be totally irresponsible, reckless, and get yourself into an undesirable situation and blame it on 'taking a risk.' I am simply saying that, if there's something that you feel very passionately about, and you're hesitating because you're scared of being let down or feeling like you are not good enough, then you should go for it. You won't regret it.

The decisions that we make are what make us who we are, and as difficult as it can be, I hope that you decide to understand the power of your decision to take a risk, even if it doesn’t work out. You could only be one tiny decision to ‘try’ away from some of the best days of your life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
6 Signs You Are An English Major

There are various stereotypes about college students, most of which revolve around the concept of your major. Unfortunately, we often let stereotypes precede our own judgments, and we take what information is immediately available to us rather than forming our own opinions after considerable reflection. If I got a dollar for every time my friends have made a joke about my major I could pay my tuition. One stereotype on campus is the sensitive, overly critical and rigid English major. Here are six telltale signs you are one of them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

1793
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

808
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
One Book Made Me Question Existence In Its Entirety
Photo by Rey Seven on Unsplash

"The Stranger" by Albert Campus touches upon many heavy elements... but not in the way you expect. Although it touches upon the aspects of death and love, it also deals with a hidden philosophy similar to that of nihilism.

The story follows the short life events of Meursault, a Frenchman whose carelessness for his actions eventually ends him in jail and dependent on a jury of people to judge the ethicality of his decision and the punishment that he deserves. He eventually gets the death penalty and all throughout he is nonchalant and almost apathetic towards his situation. He finally snaps when the prison sends a priest to him to absolve him of his sins and to cajole him in confessing to the lord.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments