Intouch with your risk-taking side?
Here are a few quotes to get you thinking. Once you’ve been inspired, I’ll explain my point.
“Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” – Author Frederick Wilcox
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – British poet T.S. Eliot
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” – Roman writer Marcus Annaeus Seneca
Encouraged yet?!
In the complex world of technology, there are various types of prospective customers, some of which are keen to incorporate new devices, gadgets and services into their organizations and lifestyles, while some are very against the idea. According to Geoffrey A. Moore, author of Crossing the Chasm, there exists a technology adoption life cycle as follows:
Innovators – individuals who aggressively seek out new technology
Early Adopters – those who easily relate to and see the benefits of technology
Early Majority – individuals who are more practical when it comes to adopting new technology
Late Majority – those who are uncomfortable and lack confidence in handling new technology
Laggards – for many reasons, these individuals want nothing to do with new technology
Risk-taking is an essential element to moving yourself up within Moore’s “adoption life cycle.” You’ll never know just how beneficial technology can be for your organization if you don’t take a leap and test it out. If you have already made steps to take that leap, but haven’t jumped yet, what’s holding you back? You’ll only work more efficiently and see bigger gains in the way of time-management within your office. In the words of Jack Canfield, motivational speaker and author of numerous books including The Success Principles, “If you want to get from where you are to where you want to be, of course you’re going to have to take that risk.” Eventually one day, you’ll look back and wonder why you hadn’t adopted technology sooner.
The great thing about risk-taking is it doesn’t have to be isolated to technology – it can apply to all aspects of your life, personally and professional. Start making riskier decisions on a day-to-day basis and you will undoubtedly see great results. Sure, you might make some mistakes and struggle along the way, but all of those challenges only build character and help you grow as an individual. I should point out that I’m not advocating doing anything life-threatening or dangerous. I’m simply presenting a concept of going out of your comfort zone every so often and doing things that might make you feel uncomfortable or scare you. In pushing yourself or your organization to overcome daunting challenges, you’ll gain confidence and increase your success rate.
