Are risks really more rewarding?
There are two types of people: those who take advantage of opportunities even though the outcome may not be in their favour two months down the line, and those who shy away out of fear of pointless, avoidable pain. But how are we meant to decide which perspective to hold?
In business, higher risk always entails higher reward; perhaps that applies to daily life as well. Optimists suggest we ignore the risk factor that accompanies new opportunities; however, for anxious people like myself, conducting any task without a contingency plan seems impossible. It is so easy to drown in ‘what-ifs,’ which is why I want to explore living in the present, avoiding overthinking the future and dwelling over the past.
That’s easier said than done, especially considering the role of responsibility. The concept of rational thinking contradicts that of following one’s heart, because if we don’t think about the consequences of our actions, we put the emotions of others at risk. This is where self-prioritisation comes into play. Sometimes, we know what’s best for us, but are afraid of what others may think or how our decisions will affect them. Does living in the present entail making decisions based on initial feelings and impulses? If that is the case, balancing responsibility and this newfound mindset might be unfeasible. Additionally, the ‘gut-feeling’ isn’t necessarily important for this approach, as it isn’t based on making the right decisions, but is about taking advantage of existing situations, focusing on how the potential outcomes can be positively maximised.
Still, optimism is often simplified as naivety, and it seems that overthinking has become the norm, resulting in the masses perceiving faith as delusion. Delusion, what a hurtful word that has been fancified through social media. When we take a leap and end up face-planting, we claim delusion, but what if the result wasn’t all tears and bruises? Then we wouldn’t feel so stupid about our previous positive thinking… and without these ‘naive’ ideas, would we ever truly accomplish anything?
No one likes to be called naive, but maybe we have been defining the word wrong. Maybe naivety isn’t senselessness or impulse decision-making. Maybe naivety is having the courage to follow your heart, accepting the potential pain that may ensue, but feeling a sense of self so strong that nothing can get in your way.
As much as daydreaming is ridiculed on the internet, there are still supportive corners where people encourage the ideas deemed ‘unrealistic’ by the majority of viewers. For example, the recent rise to fame of figure skater Alysa Liu, who has become popular due to her positive outlook on following dreams. An audio of an interview with her is going viral, where she says, “What is there to lose? Every second you’re there, you’re gaining something.” This quote has been accompanied by inspirational reels of people putting effort into their goals, encouraging viewers to take those risks, suggesting that any emotions accompanying a loss or failure of some kind are not detrimental to following one’s path, because they contribute to the growth of character.
I agree with this and also believe that ‘pointless pain’ is nonexistent, because all pain can be turned into perspective, and isn’t that what life is about? You could spend your whole life avoiding the things you’re afraid of, whether it be trying a new food or falling in love, but the effort that goes into doing so is just as draining as dealing with a poor outcome of letting it happen, that is, if there is one. Sometimes, it’s more rewarding to throw caution to the wind and be an optimist, however naive it sounds. Anyway, isn’t it better to regret having done something than regret never having tried it?
