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. If 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
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17 comments
I love this post Jo. I'm not a risk taker and it makes me hyperventilate just thinking about risk but I love the idea of doing something you've been thinking about for a while and not worrying about failure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Veronica. Taking risks is scary, but failure is only permanent if you let it stop you. If there's something you've been thinking about for a while, do it. There's a reason you've been thinking about it, which makes it worth taking a risk. If it doesn't work out at least you know you tried and can learn from the experience.
DeleteI love this - you inspire me, Jo!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks DJ. I'm the sort of person who prefers to give something a try and find out it wasn't right for me than to live thinking "what if?". So far, this method has done me well. I apply it to life in general but also to the work I do. I love experimenting with new ideas, and trying new things.
DeleteSuch an inspiring story! I'm glad everything worked out for you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. Me too ;) There were moments when I thought I wasn't going to manage. They were only moments though, and pass. One bad day doesn't mean a bad life.
DeleteThank you for sharing your story Jo! Your bravery inspires me! I've never been out of my country and I'm feeling fired up to change that. I'm also feeling fired up to start making moves to get the books that are hiding inside my head written.
ReplyDeleteThat's great Bentley! I'm so glad I helped get you fired up, both for travelling and writing your books. Risks don't always have to be big ones. You can start small and work your way up to the bigger stuff. If you dream about writing a book but the idea of all that it involves scares you, maybe try starting out by writing a short story. The first step is always the hardest.
DeleteWow love your story! It all worked out!
ReplyDeleteThanks. At times I thought it wouldn't. That's when you need to dig deep.
DeleteInspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nadene :)
DeleteWow! I admire your tenacity. I would have went home after losing everything and you made something from nothing - amazing!
ReplyDeleteI almost did. Seriously I was so close to giving up. The whole experience is something that has stayed with me. I know that whatever happens in life I can overcome it. I'm not afraid of starting from nothing because I've already proved to myself I can do it.
DeleteSuch an amazing and motivational post. I'm a great believer in that the times you think are bad are quite often the turning point in your life when you look back. I met my husband by complete chance. I had been working for a store before they opened to the public, getting the shop floor ready. Just after they opened they got rid of all the old staff, me included (and didn't pay us). So I found myself with no work and no money but I had bills to pay, etc. So I rang round company after company in the local paper trying to find a job. In the end one offered me an interview (Telesales, I knew I'd be useless but I needed the money and they paid weekly). Anyway about an hour later I got a call back from the company telling me that they had a different job on offer and would I like to apply for that one instead. It was the PA to the telecoms manager. I agreed and next day had an interview and was offered the job on the day. The Telecoms manager is now by hubby. If the first shop hadn't gotten rid of the staff and if I hadn't been so desperate for work I'd of never looks at a telesales job. I later found out that out of all the people who applied for the telesales positions I was the only one they asked to apply for the PA position.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Those low points are definitely turning points in life. I'm glad yours had a happy ending too. Your story is another great example of how "failing" can lead to a better life. You failed to get the other jobs but then because of that you ended up with a better job and met your hubby. We need to do the same thing with our books, blogs, and other products or services we offer. Stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to amazing new opportunities.
DeleteYou are absolutely right, without taking the risk, we can't lead a better life. Your story is amazing and well said. What do you think about numerology in life? I am a strong believer in guardian angels. Before I do anything in my life I look what my guardian angel says. I ask and visualize the outcome of my effort in advance within my mind. then I will get a feeling and guidance from my guardian angel what to do and what not to. Please try this in your life when you take the risk. Thanks for your story and this amazing blog.
ReplyDelete