Taking Risks Part II

If you missed the first part, click over to my post from yesterday and read Taking Risks.

I think it is normal for a boy who is maturing into a man to experience that feeling of being invincible. Boys need to gain confidence and to try things that are just beyond their current capabilities. I felt a tremendous rush the first time I rode my bike with no hands. I watched my oldest son experience it.

So where is that same lust for conquering the seemingly impossible now? Do you still have it?

My first response when I saw the dude on the bike last night was one of contempt. I mean riding your bike down a busy road with no hands and drinking was foolishness. Then my thoughts quickly traveled to my youth. In a matter of about 30 seconds I moved from contempt to questioning. Am I still able to confidently assume risk and not even contemplate failure?

I am not suggesting that you try riding your bike at 40 miles per hour with no hands. We know that taking unnecessary risk is not prudent. Right?

I have learned that I must take calculated risk. What I do not know is just how much risk do I assume by trying to eliminate much of the risk? Do I risk losing what I might have gained?

Many of you know that my second business was a failure. The hard part was my decision to put my own assets at risk. As a result, I came very close to losing it all. For several months in 2004 I was convinced that we were going to lose the house and everything. My faith in God was all I had. I found out it was all I needed. God answered our prayers and performed a financial miracle. I am grateful and humbled.

I am so glad that it failed. I learned more from that failure than I ever would have from a success. Seriously!

I believe walking through the lessons of failure prepare you to run in times of success. Most successful businessmen have failed at least once and many have gone bankrupt before they found success. Some have gone bankrput several times. I am not recommending that.

Tomorrow I wrap this up with a challenge.

Have a great one!