Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Cole Davidson | Musician

The real risk would be spending your life chasing things that other people expect you to chase. I see a lot of people doing that. It’s out of fear and I understand that. But, I made the decision a long time ago to ignore that impulse. And, if you’re doing something you don’t enjoy for something bigger than yourself, whether it be for family or some sense of duty, then that’s almost obviously the right path and you should do what you feel is right. But, we have barely enough time – only, like, eighty years if we’re lucky – to set our souls up right for whatever comes next. Read more>>

Benjamin Leon IV | Theatrical Producer, Actor, Director

Everything in life is a risk, but when you’re taking that risk doing something that you love, in my case theater and the arts, you really don’t think too much about it… you just do it. Arts in general have been a huge financial risk from the beginning of time, but, when you realize what the arts contribute to society you come to find that those risks cannot limit you. Risk taking is always a daunting experience and it needs to be done in a calculated fashion (budgets have to be considered and respected, quality needs to be assured, and artistic integrity needs to be adhered to). Every show that we put on is a huge risk, but such is the nature of any creative endeavor. Read more>>

Krystle Caffie | Real Estate Professional & Mental Health Counselor in Training

In life we must take risks if we want to go to greater heights. Taking risk also allows us to come out of our comfort zone and get a little uncomfortable. In my life as well as in my career I have more than once taken a leap while I was completely terrified. For example, I relocated to Chicago IL from Detroit MI where I was born and raised without knowing anyone and built a life there. And then for the second time in my life I relocated to another state where I currently am, South Florida. I knew not one person in the entire state. I was so afraid that I almost threw up on the day that I drove down here. Read more>>

Rose Moran | Marketing Executive | Founder Citizen Fare

I think risk is needed in life. The saying no risk, no reward is trite, but true. However, the ability to take risks is also a privilege. I’m fortunate enough to be able to take risks, but I don’t take that privilege lightly. For much of my life I was risk-averse or in a position where I couldn’t afford to take a chance. I stayed in my comfort zone. I lived the life I knew, but only sort of loved. After realizing I would not grow in my career or personal life without risk, I embraced it. Risk taking is scary and crazy and hectic and great and rewarding. Read more>>