How to Take Risks at Work

The phrase, “Get Your Feet Wet”, is often used when first learning how to do something or in pioneering a new initiative. When participating in a project for the first time, there's usually a hesitancy to take risks and step out into the unknown. However, there's no better way to learn than by doing. This requires moving away from comfort zones and into areas that usually exceed your reach and make you stretch. Taking risks at work demands courage, commitment and conviction. This article explains how to take risks and venture into the unknown at work.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Willingness to face fear of the unknown
• Courage of your convictions
• Commitment

1. Prepare for your next challenge or opportunity by doing your homework. Learn as much as you can and apply that learning when working in ambiguous assignments or dealing with vague requests.

2. Take a leap of faith into the unknown and just do it. Don’t wait until everything is perfect and you are entirely ready physically, emotionally, and financially. You’ll never be absolutely and totally ready or ultimately prepared. Most times, you just have to begin, so build up your courage and take that risk!

3. Start small and see what works. Once you’ve decided to take a risk, dedicate yourself to accomplishing the task. It’s a good idea to get your feet wet by completing smaller action steps related to the task in order to “test the waters” without expending all your effort and energy at once.

4. Focus on the solutions and opportunities instead of problems and challenges. Make course corrections as necessary, and remain focused and committed to completing the task, overcoming the main challenge, or taking full advantage of the opportunity.

5. Cultivate a passion and fervor for the task. Don’t doubt or waver in your belief and confidence that you can succeed. Sure, you will make mistakes and encounter problems along the way, but you must be persuaded and have complete assurance that you can jump over these hurdles to achieve the goal.

6. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Your first efforts may not be perfect, but you've got to start somewhere. Use the wisdom you gain from your experiences to strengthen your character and competence, and to prepare for future journeys.

Tips & Warnings

• Every day, you embark on a journey into the unknown and experience what seems like a lifetime lived in 24 hours. It is helpful to understand your emotional response to unfamiliar, strange, mysterious and uncharted territory. Are you too cautious or tentative and always playing it safe? Are you plagued by disappointment and worry? Do you tend to settle for less than your best?
• Getting your feet wet at work elicits strong emotional responses, the chief of which is fear of taking chances or making mistakes. While mistakes are embarrassing, they can be used to jumpstart and enhance your learning.
• Use the resources below to get your feet wet for career success.

Resources

• 9 Steps to Take Charge & Boost Your Career
• Tune Up Your Leadership