How do you feel about risk? Today’s Front-Row Friday message is inspired by a beautiful bronze that is displayed in the home office of RaceTrac, Inc., one of the largest privately owned companies in America and the 2nd largest in the state of Georgia. I’m sure the founder Carl Bolch, Jr. had to take a lot of risk to grow his company from one gas station in 1934 to the multibillion-dollar brand that it is today. But today’s message isn’t about business growth, but personal growth.
While speaking about leadership development at the headquarters of RaceTrac, I was drawn to the bronze “Risk” outside of the conference center by Chris Navarro. The caption says, “Nothing great is accomplished without Risk.” For you, it’s not about buying land for more gas stations and convenience stores, but the risk of acting on your goals to move you closer to your front-row.
First, it takes courage to look at where you are vs. where you want to go or who you want to be. Once you have the courage to see the gap, decide on what actions you need to take. THAT’S where the risk comes in. Embarking on anything new has risk involved, especially when you enter unchartered territories. The one thing that commonly holds people back when they take on the risk of personal growth is fear. There’s fear of failure, fear of the reaction of other people, and even fear of success. One way to help you work through the fear are three common questions to ask yourself:
– What’s the worst that could happen?
– What’s the best that could happen?
– What will probably happen?
There is one more question that you may want to consider. “What is the risk to me personally and professionally if I DON’T take action on my goals and stay in my comfort zone or my balcony seat?” The answer to that question will help motivate you to act on your vision. My guess is that if you stayed exactly where you are and didn’t improve on your goals, you would be disappointed. Take a risk today so you can accomplish something great.
See you in the front-row!
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
