Yesterday, I experienced firsthand the thrilling power of risk again. I was out at a lively bar with some old friends to catchup about life. Honestly, it had been a long time since I’d gone out or approached new people socially, and yet I discovered something incredible: the ability to connect is like a muscle. I just needed a brief warm-up to bring it roaring back to life.
I approached around 20 people and genuinely connected with about 2—solid conversations that ended with exchanging contacts. Interestingly enough, this perfectly aligns with Elon Musk’s advice: If something has a 10% success rate, just keep trying. After 10 attempts (that even the 10% odd), you’ve already surpassed 90% of everyone else simply because most people quit far too soon.
Here’s what last night taught me about risk-taking:
1. Most People Play it Safe:
From my observation, 99% of people won’t approach strangers unless they’ve had a few drinks. Even then, around 90% still won’t actively engage. They remain comfortable wallflowers, safely tucked away in their familiar groups.
2. Persistence is Rare:
Even those brave enough to approach typically stop at the first decent interaction. They miss the immense potential lying just beyond that first success.
3. Momentum Over Liquid Courage:
I realized I’m different—I don’t need alcohol. In fact, I’m better at socializing without it. My “liquid courage” is simply momentum: the more I do it, the easier it becomes. All I need is a warm-up conversation, and suddenly, approaching strangers feels natural and exhilarating.
4. “Risk It All” Mindset:
Remember, the worst outcome is just a slight bruise to my ego—essentially zero real risk. Taking small chances repeatedly, rolling the dice endlessly, guarantees eventual success. It’s the law of probability, the power of persistence.
5. Reframe Risk as an Adrenaline Rush:
Risk is not scary; it’s exciting! Every small risk—every tiny decision—has the potential to dramatically alter life’s trajectory. Think of risk as buying lottery tickets with just 10 seconds of courage. The more tickets you buy, the higher your odds of hitting life’s jackpot. Risk isn’t a danger—it’s a thrilling opportunity to ignite the butterfly effect in your favor.
6. Shift Your Mindset:
Social conditioning taught us to fear risk, to see it as dangerous and intimidating. But that’s an outdated belief. Risk-taking is an exhilarating game of life—an adrenaline-filled moment of possibility. Embrace risk for the excitement and potential it holds, not as something to fear.
Your New Risk-Taking Challenge:
Today, challenge yourself to see risk as thrilling. Think of each risk as an exhilarating opportunity, a chance to flap your butterfly wings and trigger remarkable change.
Remember, every 10 seconds of courage you muster could lead to life-changing outcomes.
Transform your mindset. Embrace the excitement. Risk it all, and watch your life become extraordinary.
