Success Tip – Learn to Take Risks

The main difference between a success story and a non-achiever lies in the level of willingness and readiness to take RISKS. All major success stories worth mentioning had a large degree of risk attached to them. Risk of being labeled a failure, financial risk, risking time with friends and family. Before you walk the road less traveled be prepared to COUNT THE COST. If you do not prepare yourself you run the risk of quitting before accomplishment. Experienced fisherman had to put their trust in one who called them totally risking their full time employment which they had done for years to “follow” a man. What a risk? On account of the words “I will make you fishers of men”, they obeyed and chose to risk all they had come to be known for.

That decision / risk re-wrote the disciples’ profiles which we read today. To venture into business of any kind is a risk. We have been in seasons of economic meltdown the world over. Those with businesses did feel the pinch just as individuals also felt the tremor. Such incidents and occurrences come with risks of business. To go into farming even when weather conditions seem uncertain is a major risk. Do farmers stop risking? No. No risk, no gain.

It almost seemed like madness for me to leave a well paying job in Anglo American Corporation to venture into business in an otherwise hyper-inflationary environment. I remember receiving cautions and advice from many skeptics who thought I was just being crazy. Deep inside I felt and sensed that this was the right move to make at the right. Yes, I have faced my challenges in the 10 years of running my own business but the risk was actually worth. I managed to make a difference in a number of people’s lives as I have employed and mentored over 45 people over the period. It brought so much fulfillment that money and a good job can not buy. When I look back I think of the reaction of everyone around me and I realize that the bearer of the dream does not see risk but simply opportunity while the by-standers permute and compute the risk levels.

Ponder Points – Think about this- To what degree are you willing to risk your own life for the sake of the vision you carry? Are you so conscious of not losing anything but just wanting to get and get more?

Affirmation Points – Say this to yourself- I am a risk taker. I do things that I have never done before in my life because I enjoy doing things differently. I am not moved by what I stand to lose. I focus on what I stand to gain. Risk taking is the order of my life.

Rabison Shumba is a writer, businessman and philanthropist. Writer of the book The Greatness Manual which you can preview on http://greatnessmanual.wordpress.com. Founder and CEO of Infotech Solutions and Greatness Factory Trust. Rabison speaks about success, leadership, motivation and inspiration. His trust works with disadvantaged school children supporting them with school fees and general livelihood. He also helps to network artists (musicians of all genres) to facilitate information sharing and building of future celebrities. Rabison is well traveled having been to Asia, America, United Kingdom and all over Africa. He is married to Jacqueline Edwards and they have two children. They reside in Harare, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.