How to Think About Risk

It’s scary out there right now! I have been having dreams about counting toilet paper rolls. That is, when I’m able to actually sleep.

This pandemic is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my lifetime. Each day we are having to make “should we” or “shouldn’t we” decisions. I went to the gym last week – that’s not going to be happening now.

During this pandemic, how do we find the balance of trying to keep some sense of normality while also acting with an abundance of caution?

It reminded me of a blog post I wrote that was just featured on Author Michele Wucker’s blog called, The Upside to Risk. You can read the full post here. The gist is that risk can pay off ONLY if you are very clear why you are taking that risk.

Our healthcare professionals, first responders, and service members take risks every day. I personally am so grateful for them and the clarity they have about why they take those risks.

As you decide what risks you are comfortable taking – be clear on your why.

If you, like many of us, are cooped up inside right now – think of it as an opportunity. What are the things you have been meaning to work on? What can you spend time focusing on that you aren’t usually able to?

Needing to be virtual has me focusing more on coaching and web-based programs. I don’t often have the capacity to work one-on-one with people and now I do. Maybe, if we were to try to find a silver lining in this pandemic cloud, we could say that this is a great time for professional development since our productivity ability is different from home. If any of you are cooped up and want to explore virtual personal development, reach out! I am happy to chat with you.

If you need more ideas to keep your mind occupied while in isolation, video calls are a great way to stay connected. My son turned his dungeons and dragons group to a google hangout. I have been cleaning out closets, doing photo albums and finishing the jigsaw puzzle that’s been on my dining room table for months. But those are just for fun (yes…for some people, cleaning out closets is fun!)

Wishing everyone health and calm – we will get through this.

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