Risk VS. Opportunity
I was working with a client, and she frequently used the word “risk” when discussing new things she wanted to pursue, as well as her interests in personal growth. This made me reflect on why we often choose to use the term “risk” instead of “opportunity.”
Why is something new and different often viewed as a risk by default? I believe this term carries a negative connotation, and it seems unhelpful to approach exploration or new possibilities with such a negative mindset right from the start. To clarify my understanding of the word "risk," I looked it up in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which defines it as "the possibility of loss or injury" and "someone or something that creates or suggests hazard.” I then looked up the word “opportunity," and I like this definition much better. "A favorable junction of circumstances. A good chance for advancement or progress.”
It finally occurred to me that while we want to explore new possibilities and try new things, the moment negative thoughts or “what ifs” arise, we tend to put the brakes on and assume the worst. We automatically focus on the risks involved. It's unfortunate that we allow these fears to dictate how we perceive new opportunities.
Isn’t that what we’re doing? Are we exploring new opportunities and considering what comes next for us? I appreciate the idea of approaching this with a fresh perspective rather than automatically focusing on potential problems or risks; I don't want those concerns to drive or motivate me. I would prefer to remain positive. Yes, there’s a chance that things could go wrong and that it might not work out the way we hope. But should that stop us from trying? After all, there are no guarantees or absolutes, and we never know what might happen in the end. It could actually turn out to be fantastic and exactly what we desire.
I would much rather see something as an opportunity rather than a risk.
By Amy Bloustine
