Play it safe. Have a plan. Know what’s next. Stick to it.
Those have been my life mantras. I have always known what I am doing next. I have never quit a job without having another one. I have never left without knowing exactly where I was going and what I was going to be doing. I research, plan, and write down every detail about everything I do. I have just never been one for taking risks, for just showing up, or for enjoying the ride. I am always looking forward to what is next.
That is all about to change. In 4 days I am leaving Saipan with no destination. No plan. For once in my life I threw caution to the wind and said, “ah..I will figure it out later!” And you know something, its so exciting. Its not stressful (most of the time) and the planner in me is learning to take a break and chill out. The side of me that liked to play it safe is learning that there is excitement in not playing it safe. And you know the best part-I have become really bold in my new decision to leave without a destination. I have started to acknowledge the fact that I have a good bit of experience and I am a hard worker and quick learner and pretty passionate about a lot of issues that would make me an awesome candidate for some of these jobs that I would have previously never even given a second glance. I am starting to develop a confidence in the person God created me to be. Not that I can do it on my own, but that with Him it is all possible.
See, I have always struggled with self-esteem. I can always find you someone who is prettier, smarter, or more qualified for the job. And the reality is, that is true. We live in a world of 6 billion people. There is always going to be someone prettier, smarter, or more qualified. But I just made a decision. I decided that I was going to stop worrying about those people and live my life. I have fallen in love with adventure and living life loud. I have developed a huge passion for social justice. I LOVE the idea that we can make this world a better place. I will never give up on that. And because of that, I decided it was time I got off my butt and started doing my part. Because what if no one else does? Thus,
How to Become a Risk Taker 101
First, Pursue your dreams. For me that has meant that I have started applying to my dream jobs. Dream job #1: TOMS Shoes. I have traveled the world in their shoes and love what they stand for as a company. Plus, living in California wouldn’t be all bad either. I hear the weather is nice:) Dream job #2: Polaris Project Internship. Applying there when I get home. No one is going to give me a chance if I don’t apply and I know if someone would just give me a chance, I could wow them. In addition, I have started looking like crazy for ways to volunteer and get involved with the abolition of human trafficking. This is a huge burden on my heart and something I want to pursue with everything I am. We need modern day Harriet Tubmans-why can’t I fill those shoes?
Second, Set high goals. I set a huge goal for my Tread of Trafficking team. And while I am pretty sure it was too big a goal, it was for me a matter of getting out of that box. I never want to settle for the easy road. I want to be constantly pushing and challenging myself to think bigger! And when you are finished reading, go check out my team. $10 adds up quickly! I re-did my blog to hopefully get my voice out to more people, and whether that happens or not, I am going to keep writing because I LOVE to write. And when you love something, you have to do it whether anyone else pays attention or not!
Lastly, Enjoy the moment. I am learning to enjoy each and every minute. I am cherishing every second I have left in Saipan. I am spending as much time as I can at the beach and hanging with my friends. I am so excited to be home, but I am learning that I miss too many moments by focusing on what is next. I am taking advantage of every opportunity to take risks, gain experiences and adventures, and make new friends. I mean, I spent New Year’s at a concert in Bali..how awesome is that?!? And as I head home, I am going to live it up every single day and not worry so much about what is going to happen next. I can bet you that even if I knew, I wouldn’t believe it anyways.
What about you? What are some ways you have found to move from playing it safe to taking risks?
