The start of a new month always evokes thoughts of where we are in the moment and goals we have set for ourselves: How much of them have we accomplished? Are we getting closer to achieving them? If not, what is hindering us? Fear? Lack of courage? These inhibiting factors clearly affect our ability to take risks, an essential antidote for stagnancy. But how do we get over this hurdle in order to reap rewards from our hard work? Risk-taking, but first start small and then move to bigger risks.
To better understand how to do this, we engaged Julianna Asare-Amankwah, Art Therapist & Counselor, Evolve Counsel, to shed some light on how taking small risks can help you to take bigger ones to bump you up to the next level in life.
“Here’s how [it works]. First, if one takes smaller risks consistently enough, say, over a period of 21 to 31 days, it becomes a habit. Once a habit is formed, it becomes almost effortless to take on bigger risks,” explains Asare-Amankwah.
“Two, when you take risks, you cause real changes in your brain,” she adds. “Risks release adrenaline into your body which causes a quick rush, and dopamine which causes intense feelings of pleasure. The bigger the risks, the more adrenaline and dopamine are released; causing a sort of snowball effect.”
Asare-Amankwah also confirms that unique experiences can help to inhibit depression and rejuvenate stale relationships. This is because risk-taking is often a necessary prerequisite for starting a new business or launching a new career, and the excitement associated with uncertainty can be a powerful antidote to boredom and even depression. Because dopamine produces a natural high, risk-taking behaviors can help you get a positive mood and a new perspective.
According to Asare-Amankwah, while taking small risks is beneficial for your brain and mental health, it must be managed wisely. “Make sure, you have one foot solidly on the bank and in the river to test the depth and strength of the current before wading in fully.” It is almost like testing the waters or not putting all your eggs in one basket, she says. This gives you an opportunity to reverse decisions quickly before they turn destructive.
So, if you find yourself held back as a result of your inability to take risks, Asare-Amankwah advises: “Break the risk down to small manageable steps and take them one by one, then it will not be a daunting risk rather; an ambitious to-do list.”