How Taking Risks Can Lead You to a Better Life
How Taking Risks Can Lead You to a Better Life
Today marks 18 years since I left the UK and moved to Rome, Italy.
I still remember all those years ago being sat on the plane and wondering if I was brave or just plain crazy. Of I'm honest, I was probably a bit of both.
Back then I never would have thought that I would now be married, have two amazing kids and, above all that, that I'd still be here in Rome. My original plan had been to stay for 3 days!
I took a risk. A huge risk, and it was the best thing I've ever done.
Sometimes you just have to follow your gut.
Taking risks doesn’t mean succeeding every time, and that’s OK!
The Plan
As I said, my original plan had been to stay here for just 3 days. I was going to travel around Europe visiting different countries. That is until I found myself with no money.
Yep, I lost all my money in France. I had a connecting flight and all I know is I had my wallet when I got to the Paris airport but it was gone when I arrived at the airport in Rome.
At this point I did freak out a little. I was alone in a foreign country with no money, and didn't speak the language.
I could have called it quits. I'm sure a lot of people would have given up at a hurdle like that. I almost did.... almost.
Luckily I'd booked my accommodation online before leaving the UK and so had my 3 days paid in advance. That gave me 3 days to work out a new plan.
On my third day here I got a job working in a hostel, which got me a small amount of money and a bed to sleep in. I was back in control.
At this point I figured I'd stay in Rome for a few weeks and put aside some money to get to my next destination, Greece.... I've still never been to Greece.
Well, weeks turned into months, and I got a job offer at a different hostel. Nicer place, more money, better hours... and then I met my now husband. It was then that I knew I'd really moved to Rome, and I wasn't just visiting anymore.
So you see, life doesn't always work out the way we planned.
Sometimes risks don't mean success.
Sometimes, they can lead to a complete failure.
Sometimes failing isn't such a bad thing after all.
What was probably one of my most epic fails turned out to be the best thing that could ever have happened to me. I learnt so much about myself, and discovered strengths I didn't know I had. I faced my fears, and came out on top. I was rewarded for all my hard work with the life I have now, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Through failure I ended up succeeding and having a better life. Some risks are worth taking.
Whilst my above example was a complete life changing event, it applies to how we live in general... and to our blogs.
So, are you going to just sit there wondering what your life could have been like if only you had taken a couple of risks? Or are you going to do something about it while you still have the chance?
Want to write a book? Do it!
Want to start a blog? Do it!
Been thinking about trying something new with your website? Do it!
By taking a risk you'll either reach your goal, or learn from the failure. Either way, you'll grow as a person and discover talents and skills you didn't know you had.
You might also like: Why Taking A Break From Work Is Good For You
Want some help setting your goals?
