You don’t get to be extraordinary without taking calculated risks. This is a powerful statement and it is one I have been contemplating for the past week. We are all told the sky is the limit when it comes to our dreams but no one prepares you for what it takes to achieve them. We come up with these big audacious dreams but they cannot come to fruition unless we decide to act. When we take action toward our dreams it can seem intimidating and overwhelming because we do not know where to start. It may seem like we are trying to achieve the impossible but we cannot achieve extraordinary things without taking calculated risks.
When I think back on my life so far in the context of this statement I know I have achieved some remarkable things. However, what I have found is it is often the little things I have done that have made the most impact in my life to make it extraordinary. There is one decision in particular I am extremely proud of and if it were not for it I would not be where I am today. The decision I am referring to is when I decided to transfer universities. To some people this is a not a ground-breaking decision but for me it was. It was more than just transferring schools, I was standing up for what I really wanted my life to be. For once I was taking an active seat in my life and making decisions because it was what I wanted. I found my voice and became more confident in my skin as well as who I am as a person.
If I had not decided to make this change in my life I would not have some of the best things in my life or accomplished some of my proudest achievements. I would not have found my passion and love for business. I would not have met one of my best friends that I cannot imagine my life without. I would not have decided to start this blog to help other people going through similar experiences. I would not have found my love for writing. I would not have graduated at the top of my class or been inducted into distinguished societies before graduation. And I would not have had the chance to be the editor for the Toledo Chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi newsletter or other opportunities.
I remember when I made the decision to transfer I felt a lot of emotions, some good and some bad. Now I am able to walk beside the girl I was and feel the anguish of a person who felt like they were drowning. I can see how lost and confused she is. I wish I could tell her what I know now, that it would get better and you will have the opportunity to do great things. While I do feel those underlying feelings of sadness, I mostly feel proud that I decided to take a calculated risk. If I had not taken that calculated risk, I would not be where I am today.
Have your past calculated risks influenced who you are today? Are there risks you took that have changed the course of your life? Are you contemplating a calculated risk right now? Is there something holding you back from taking the plunge?
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