Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, andriseth up again (KJV)

Taking risks are unavoidable. It's a part of life and everyone must make decisions when faced with problems. The outcome is always uncertain. The risk taken today may fail miserably tomorrow, yet it could be a success when taken six months later.

Risk taking should not be something to fear. Of course the best policy is to minimize the chance of failure by taking all the possible factors into account before acting on a decision. Business executives always weigh their options before making a final decision, but when they do, they don't procrastinate or look back wondering if the decision was the right one.

Whether you're debating on what college to attend or who will be the best soul mate for you...
Accept the possibility of failure. You can't expect all your decisions to come out the way you expect 100% of the time. Failure itself doesn't mean you should give up or that you weren't meant to be successful. No one can criticize you for your mistakes, since they fail as often as you do. The purpose of failure is to learn something from your failure and use what you learn as a springboard toward success. As strange as it may sound, you should welcome failure, as there is no better teacher.

Minimize the Risk. Many people fail simply because they fail to plan. The scripture tells us in Luke 14: 28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. People know what they want, but they will start building their life and not consider the costs or the consequences. They have no blueprint on getting there. Without a concrete plan, people move in too many directions, few of which get them where they want to go. Before taking any risk, you must have a good idea of the steps you have to take to get there. “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (Habakkuk 2:2). Successful people write down their goals and know what steps they have to take.

Get advice. Helpful advice is extremely important before making any decisions, especially whose outcome can be life changing. “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). Many people get married to the wrong partner. They make decisions on emotion rather than reason. Whether your decision is to choose the right college to attend or investing your money in some venture, you need to seek out those who can help you make the right decision so you stand a better chance of success.

Make it Happen. Once you've come to a decision, it's time to act. Procrastination kills more dreams before they can become a reality. Fear and doubt plague the thoughts of every man and woman. But taking that first step dispels fear. The first step is always the hardest.

Don't Look Back. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). When you plow, you have to keep your eyes straight ahead or you will mess up the job. Once you've taken action, you need to get rid of any regrets and focus on the future. If you have planned the course toward your goal properly, you will be able to handle any problem that may stand in your way.

Risk taking doesn't mean you throw all caution to the wind. With the right approach, you are likely to see more successes than failures and you'll be far ahead of those who fear to change at the risk of failing. And remember, you will always find clear direction and wise counsel in God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Jon Jones
11/28/2011 01:53:52 am

I'm ready to launch a website this week and I have no idea how it's going to be received. My fingers are crossed.

That said, I believe it can't be called failure if we learn and progress from it :)

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Zach Paw
12/3/2011 07:16:56 am

As you said Tifphanie, failure is always a possibility. No one get's it right all the time. The trick is to be able to know when to get out - before investing too much time and money.

I've heard it called "failing quickly", and it's a good skill to have.

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Barb
12/6/2011 08:30:57 am

Insightful post Tifphanie. I love the Habakkuk 2:2 verse. Reminds me of the Proverbs scripture, "Where there is no vision, the people perish".

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3/17/2021 08:53:42 am

Lovelyy blog you have here

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