The time is now

Think of the last time you contemplated taking a risk.  You can learn to realize that your mind creates a vision of what you think will happen as the result.  Your mind has power to convince you to go ahead with something or not. Did you ever try telling yourself 'the time is now?'

Think of the swimming pool or the polar dip in the early morning back at summer camp. The water wasn't always the most inviting temperature, but you discovered you could psych yourself up to get it over with. Maybe such experiences ignited your anticipation and excitement.  How did you get that adrenalin pumping? Was it the prospect of winning a prize? Was it the prospect of being first? proving you could when others said you couldn't? Did you do it to prove it to them?

In order to take risks, you also need to develop a willingness to make mistakes and to be ready to face disapproval. Realize that you don't have to be afraid of getting results you don't foresee.  The way to tackle challenging issues is to face them head on.  This leads to personal growth. Once you face something that scares you, the fear and self-doubt no longer control your mind.

Ask yourself if you're willing to take chances even when success is not guaranteed. It's wise to assess the varied levels of risk before you jump into any situation.  What would you be willing to lose? What do you think you could gain? Just because a prospective venture differs from anything anyone you know has done doesn't necessarily mean taking the associated risks wouldn't be right for you.  Learn to separate your views from those of others. Be open to opinions, but be weary of basing your own choices on someone else's opinion. After all, who knows you better than you?

It's never too late to take a risk that you might have put off for whatever reason. Be ready to reassess where you are and the nature of your circumstances. The point will come where you may feel you should give yourself a last crack at a dream. As you sense you're getting on in years and may not have the energy or stamina to reach certain goals down the tract, you may find yourself saying, 'now or never.' If you dream of getting involved in a financial venture and the money becomes available, that may indicate the time is now. If your heart has been encouraging you to express feelings toward someone before they marry someone else, listen to your gut. Signs will present themselves. It's in our interest to keep our eyes peeled and act accordingly.