Lesson #7 from Falling Out of an Airplane

Take Calculated Risks

Going skydiving is risky. The plane could crash. The parachute may not open or open properly. There are risks just walking down the street. I’ve almost been hit several times recently just crossing the street. Just this past weekend, I was crossing the street just up from my house. I was about halfway up when I saw a taxi coming. I could tell the driver was going fast and was about to turn. He wasn't looking at me. I stopped dead in my tracks as the driver just made the left turn right in front of me within 5 feet. If I had taken just two more steps, I would be dead! I knew there was risk crossing at this intersection. I've seen it before., but never this close. I always keep my eyes open for cars coming up the hill. 

Life is full of risks. But you must take risks.

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

John Shedd

Like a ship, we weren't made to sit still and do nothing. Risks are necessary.

The key is to take calculated risks.

When I skydived, I researched companies in the area. I read the reviews. Today’s parachutes are much safer and easier on the body than those when I was 25 and had to worry about breaking my ankles because I was overweight. I went in knowing the risks. The jump staff had hundreds of jumps each.

When you go into any business or career, you have to look at the risks and determine if the benefit outweighs the risk or the likelihood of failure is low or that you have the ability to change course.

Don't be afraid to do something just because of fear or never having done it before. Take that leap of faith in yourself. Calculated faith. 

Make today a great day!