I am definitely the safety net guy. I worked for a Fortune 100 Company for 28 years, even though it was not always easy to stay. I started my own business in 2003, but have only counted on it as my sole source of income for 6 years (4 of those since I retired). Entrepreneurs are generally the risk-takers. It takes that kind of mindset to get through the highs and lows of owning a business. I seemed to always have one ear listening for job offers (perceived security).
This piece by Colin Fletcher ties in well here:
IF YOU JUDGE SAFETY by COLIN FLETCHER
If you judge safety to be the paramount consideration in life you should never, under any circumstances, go on long hikes alone. Don’t take short hikes alone either-or, for that matter, go anywhere alone. And avoid at all costs such foolhardy activities as driving, falling in love, or inhaling air that is most certainly riddled with deadly germs. Wear wool next to the skin. Never cross an intersection not at the light, even when you see that all roads are clear for miles. And never, of course, explore the guts of an idea that seems as if it might threaten one of your cherished beliefs. In your wisdom, you will probably live to a ripe old age. But you may discover, just before you die, that you have been dead for a long, long time.
So for me, no tall buildings, roller coasters, or jumping out of airplanes. I have contingency plans in place and I always wear safety equipment when suggested. I have bumpers for finances, travel times, and meal plans.
Where I take risks is with trusting people, modifying recipes on the fly, and adding humor to conversations. If I am presenting a topic, I am at my best if I am thoroughly prepared and practiced. Then I let go of my plans when I get in front of the group. I trust the preparation and topic knowledge enough to tune into my audience's needs. This allows me to deliver what they need, not what I want.
What is a risk to me is a challenge for others and vice versa. We all have our perception of what is risky and what is not. Know where you are most comfortable on that sliding scale and build a life around it. Some additional wisdom on the topic from an anonymous source.
SPLAT!
I don’t live to share the experience with anyone.
So: Skydiving without a parachute is suicide. Total freedom is suicide.
And: Holding up in a closet is vegetating. Total security is vegetating.
Somewhere between the ridiculous extremes of vegetating and suicide is the right place for each of us.
I’ve got a feeling the right place is different for you and me.
A different place for different times in our lives and different places in our lives.
Generally, though, my suggestion is, if you want to live more fully, start somewhere toward the safe end of the security/ freedom continuum and move mindfully toward the free end.
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