Risk is the potential of gaining or losing something of value. So when one takes a risk, either loss or gain results. But because many are afraid of losing, (and of daring) they’ll rather not try risking.

Life is in itself a risk. We take risks all the time whether or not we are conscious of it. Driving your car is a taking a risk.

What if an accident occurs? What if your cooking gas loses control and your house gets burnt in minutes? What if you slip and fall off? What if and what if?

But we keep living life as though things were normal when in the real sense, we’re only being “hopeful” things will just work out fine. And that’s taking a risk!

So in the real sense of it, we take risks unconsciously. Naturally. By default. But when it comes to consciously making some decisions, we are always careful not to get harmed. Once there’s the probability of things going wrong, we would rather not try.

When we take risks, either of two things happen, two opposing things. It’s either a loss or a gain. A plus or a minus.

If the result of the risk taken is positive, fine! Thank God it worked out fine. But if otherwise, well, you tried. You’re not the same person anymore. You’ve learnt something different. Something new. You’re somewhat better in that you won’t make the same mistake again.

But if you never even tried in the first place, well, it’s okay too. You’re still you. Not better. Not worse. Just there!

But for me, I’ll rather try and fail, “…so my place would not be among those cold and timid souls, who know neither victory nor defeat” (The man in the Arena) Theodore Roosevelt.

In short, the biggest risk is not taking one! And I’ll put it this way,

“Taking a risk is costly.

Not making an attempt is also costly.

So, choose your ‘costly.’ “