Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Shane Kohler | Conscious Relationship and Dating Coach

I learned to live with uncertainty from a very young age and while that’s definitely caused some setbacks in certain areas of my life, it has been a huge attribute for my success. I learned to look at the long game, where do I want to be in 5 years or 10 years and what is the most important thing to do at this stage in my life to end up there? That’s what really matters, nothing else. So I didn’t cling to any job for security, I kept my expenses very low and was able to dedicate most of my time to growing myself and my business. Read more>>

Stacey Lewis | Professional Organizer

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career? Early in my life, I let fear and anxiety keep me from trying new things and pursuing the life I actually wanted to live. I’m now at a place in my life where I understand that most things worth doing require a bit of risk and I embrace the fear that comes from stepping out of my comfort zone. Read more>>

Kathryn Zegarra | Artisan

I would classify myself as a moderate risk taker. I like the excitement of not knowing what the end result will be but also I find comfort in a safe situation. I think this balance helps with the my success of my business. I am a classic over-thinker and have a knack for analyzing a situation to the extent where I actually annoy myself. Usually, at that point, I either take the plunge or accept that I won’t push forward on something. Read more>>

Maxx Millanova | Emcee/Pianist/Performing Artist

There is no success without risk. All great things involve taking a chance. In fact, I believe that is one of the secrets to a fulfilling life, and one fundamental concept that escapes a lot people. Taking risks involves confidence and trusting in the strength of your own wings to know you can soar. And even amidst failure, there’s the confidence that you can pick yourself back up again and strive through adversity. Read more>>

0H | Director

Risk to me has always been a crucial thing to do in my life because ever since I was a 5 year old, there was people always talking about how to make it in America in a hispanic household. It is more safe to follow the rules but when you bend them and break out of those rules, miraculous things happen because you choose things that come from your heart and if you love something even though its a risk, I think you should still go for it. Read more>>

Dubraska Melo | Photographer

Risk for me has played a big role in my life the last couple of months. I believe risk is necessary when stepping out of your comfort zone, to be able to move forward, and to discover what is waiting for you on the other side. I believe risk and faith go hand in hand, because it requires you to step into the unknown but with faith in knowing that it’s for a greater purpose that awaits you as soon as you take the leap. Read more>>

Violeta Encarnación | Illustrator and Animator

I consider that when you choose to pursue a career in the creative field, that initial choice could already be considered risky. It is such a competitive and dynamic world, that although I can see multiple new doors opening up for the kind of work that I do, I also see many of the jobs I dreamed of having while I was in college begin to dwindle. I believe that the stereotype of the starving artist can be debunked with the right drive, attitude, and of course a bit of luck. Read more>>

Zylia N. Knowlin | Published Author & Makeup Brand Owner

I believe that taking risks has jumped started my ability to manifest the person that I am today. Taking risks is taking a chance on who you are and believing that you possess what it takes to get the job done. It is the ability to see in yourself what others cannot see. Taking a risk on your dream is the best risk of all. I placed all bets on myself, on my creativity and my ability to do all that I set my mind to do. Read more>>

JaQuan Spectrum | Designer

Risk is a part of everyone’s life. Every day we risk something. Whether it be your life, sanity, or even something as little as getting a stain on your new white blouse. Risk has always been necessary, and I truly believe we wouldn’t get anywhere without it. I always take risks, because every risk has a payoff. The benefit may be a new connection, respect, or money, per usual. To truly become the “you” that you envision, you have to risk it all. And I would risk everything for my dream. Read more>>