“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
- Robert F. Kennedy
Human beings are created with a past, a present and a future. In order for them to give their present the attention it deserves, they have to let go of the past. In order for them to look forward to the future, they need not let their present circumstances limit their sense of vision and purpose. Stepping out can be the riskiest thing anyone can do in life since we live in a world that tells to play it safe and not take risks.
When we were conceived our parents were either expecting us or waiting for us with great expectations. This contrast between these similar words yet distinctly different is true in the township where I grew up. When a school-going girl finds herself pregnant, we often say she is expecting. In most cases this ‘expecting’ is often passive. The expecting individual is seldom expectant of the coming child. This is due to the fact that, although pregnancy brings with it fear and anticipation for every woman, the younger girl has a lot more issues to contemplate whilst pregnant. This contemplation is often comprised of fear, concern, worry, regret, and a sense of failure. In this case the individual is less expectant, and just expecting.
Regardless of the conditions of our conception, each of us is born to take risks. We could not stay in our mothers’ womb forever, at some point we had to step out from that world into this world. The day we arrived there was great excitement as people celebrated our arrival. Trust me, it was a messy day! If you don’t believe me, ask your parents. They will tell you they risked their lives for you to be alive. You equally risked your life as you stepped out from the world of the womb into earth. That is why stepping out can be the greatest risk you can ever take in life. We are all born as risk takers. The question is how to remain one as we grow up.
We are all given the same opportunities in life. However, only those who step out can be able to see those opportunities. And although many can step out and see those opportunities, very few people cease the opportunities within their reach. In other words, they are unwilling to step up to the challenge that comes with the opportunity. So what am I saying? We can all step out but very few of us can step up to the next level of responsibility. As you endeavour to take the next step in your chapter, know that this action is indeed the riskiest action you will ever take in life.
The beautiful life of a risk-taker: “Why is it so important to take risks?”
It is highly important for us to be risk takers otherwise we are denying ourselves of being what we were born to be. From the time we are born to until we die, we are meant to be on the rollercoaster of risk.
Can we avoid risk? Yes! Just stay at home and lock the doors. Never have anything to do with life.
America born English Editor, Playwright, Poet and Critic TS Elliot once said: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
Cheers
Olefile Masangane
