Risk Takers Are Game Changers

You just can't win when you always "play to not lose."  As a coach, I always encourage my players - try a new move, work on something you haven't done before.  Practice is great, repetition key, in developing and improving your game.  Yet, it's under game situations and extreme duress when you are bold enough to execute a new move in the heat of battle.  These calculated risk build confidence and assurance - and you never know, until you try it. 

 

Well, in this game called life, we must get off the bench and into the game.  Once inserted, we must be urgent, intense and play with energy and passion.  This life is full of lessons, setbacks, failures, obstacles and challenges.  Yet, it is full of wins, victories and opportunities to overcome extreme hardships.  However, I find it more common to run across people who are not engaged, lifeless and have no sense of urgency in the things they undertake.  It seems as if mediocrity or middle of the road status is good enough for them.  Well, if I don't try I can't fail, is one statement someone made to me.  Yeah, and if you don't shoot you can't score either.  All I know is there is a 50/50 chance the ball goes in - and that's what I'm banking on.  Here are a few tips to help you get in the game:

 

1). Find your gift - this is the thing you enjoy the most, even something that you do well with minimal effort.  That thing people always compliment you on.  It may be a hobby now, or something you just do to relax or for fun. Prayer has always done it for me, it may work for you as well. 

 

2). Do some research - start to research people who do what you would like to do.  Read some reviews, some blog post or make an in person visit to see the action live.  When I desired to start coaching, I read every book I could find on coaching.  I talked to coaches, went to lots of games and watched a lot of video. 

 

3). Get to work - volunteer or intern doing what you enjoy doing.  It may begin as a few days a week or on weekends.  You may ask friends or family if you can cook or bake for them.  Start getting in your repititions.

 

4).  Engage the counsel of others - share what you are doing with a confidant or close friend.  It's not the time to share with just everyone or anyone, but that person whose opinion you trust.  Share your thoughts and feelings, use them as a sounding board and listen to their response. 

 

It's your time, the time is now - time to Make It Happen.  Off the bench and into the game.  Take that leap of faith, it may seem risky, it may even seem a little scary - ha, ha, ha, that means you are right where you need to be.  JUMP on out there, enjoy the thrill, the ride, the victory - and if a loss or two come your way - enjoy those as well.   Get back up, dust yourself off, take note of the cause and implement change.  Then JUMP on out there again.

 

Be encouraged my friends, you do have what it takes to WIN.  If this post helped you, share it with a friend or a family member.  I'm really finding out that our words matter, and you never know how much the things you say and do can change and impact the lives of others.  Expect the Great.  Give me some feedback, post a comment and let me know your thoughts.  Shoot, I took a risk - you can too.