Risk-taking is sometimes compared to thrill-seeking in such sports such as rock climbing, deep-sea diving, spelunking, hang gliding, bungy jumping or parachuting from planes.  Of course, gambling and feeding addictions or obsessions describe very serious and perplexing problems in societies. A need for safety is fundamental, so are risk-takers illogical? irrational? or somehow mentally ill?

People who take a chance to lose things recognize value can be found in a hazardous situation.  You may find yourself in a position where you're unsure if you're willing to do what it takes to get the adrenalin flowing or to redefine an acceptable or menaingful life.  You may hear people telling you all those reasons why they think you should or shouldn't, when a voice inside whispers what you really wish to do.  Consider these questions when contemplating how to proceed:

1) What is your confidence level? Sporting risk takers tend to have high self-confidence they can manage the risks involved, and friends also choose to take fatal risks. Physical challenges in extreme altitude or temperature may trigger fight or flight response, although because confident people believe they're in control of the risks, they sense high arousal as excitement rather than fear. If you're a sporty sensation-seeker with a track record, go for it! If you have no record, but you have attitude, confidence and emotional support, that's a good sign.

2) How would you describe your anxiety level? No matter what you wonder about, from those potential job changes, developing or leaving a relationship, to making other decisions you've never made before, it's natural to second guess yourself, at least initially.  Your own conscience you may seize your attention to ensure you think before you act. If fear and doubt grab your attention, only you determine whether you permit them to control you for good reason or if your imagination runs wild. Consider the impact of prospective decisions on other people and if you act with self-interest or for the greater good.  Refer back to the principles and values you've been taught, on how you evolve, and on the future you desire.

3) Could you afford to lose? Where health or financial stakes are high, consider the worst case scenario. If you bet your life savings on one horse race or a handful of companies in the stock market and you lost, would you be able to live and survive with the consequences? If you know substances from smoking to illicit drugs will lower your life expectancy, and you take them anyway, how does this impact family and friends? If you're willing to take serious health risks, you go beyond rebelling against social conventions and rules and risk physical well-being and your life.

4) Are you in line with your priorities? The nature of the risk you ponder may not "fit a specific profile." Think about your personality in relation to your view of risk-taking behaviour. You may not know anyone who has taken risks you contemplate.  You may desire to be a pioneer, or do things no person in your family has done.  Generalisations of what is or isn't a good risk may not apply.  Reassure yourself about exceptions.  Profiles of desireable risks for certain types of people need not be your reference.  If you research pros and cons of taking the risk or not, you will have to decide if the possible sacrifices and rewards would be worth it.

5) Could you live with yourself if you didn't take the risk? Your circumstances may be humble, and you're offered the chance to try out for a professional sports team in another country.  Your life may be hanging by a thread, and you're given the chance to test a non-proven drug which could save your life.  Your young child has the chance to accomplish significant in life but it goes against what you know. Do you pass guardianship to a foreign coach and send the child away?  You're nominated for a position that would enable you to enrich your community, but it would require compromise and sacrifice beyond your current limits. You may be in love with someone and feel shy about sharing how you feel. What if they never know? Taking the risk to step outside your comfort zone, to do something uncomfortable or scary has the potential to change your life or the life of someone you are about. Reflect on the power of control and ego and the benefits of making trade-offs.