Start where you are. Build what matters.The Stress-Free CEO is a weekly newsletter created for women who are building businesses on their own terms. You'll find clear strategies, supportive advice, and practical tools to help you move forward with confidence. No pressure. No hype. Just the guidance you need to grow a business that feels right for you. Let’s build something meaningful together.
The Art of Taking a Risk
The Art of Taking a RiskHi Reader, This week, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to take a risk. Not the kind of dramatic, all-or-nothing leap we often imagine, but the everyday risks we face when we step outside our comfort zones. Why I Call Myself a Risk TakerI consider myself a risk taker. That doesn’t mean I gamble everything or chase every impulse. It means I’m willing to step outside my comfort zone. For me, risk is taking a leap of faith even when the outcome is uncertain, even when it may not work in my favor. Sometimes it pays off. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve noticed that the times it hasn’t worked out are usually when I’ve been impulsive or unprepared. But when I take the time to ground myself, weigh my options, and still move forward despite not knowing all the answers, that’s when risk turns into growth. Risk vs. RecklessnessHere’s the important distinction: risk taking is not about jumping without thinking. It is not a blind dive into the unknown. Smart risk-taking means doing your research, understanding what you’re committing to, and preparing yourself for the possible outcomes. The leap itself might feel bold, but behind it is a thoughtful process. Too often, we make decisions based on emotion. Sometimes it is out of compassion, wanting to help someone, to be generous, or to support others even when it stretches us. Other times, it is out of passion, the excitement of a new idea or a spark of inspiration that makes us want to dive in headfirst. Both are powerful forces. But without grounding, they can cloud judgment. Acting from compassion alone can leave us overextended. Acting from passion alone can leave us unprepared. The sweet spot is when we let those emotions fuel us, but balance them with logic, research, and reflection. That is why I believe taking a leap of faith isn’t blind. It is built on a foundation. Faith is strongest when it is backed by clear thinking, solid preparation, and sometimes a gut feeling you can’t quite explain. The Questions That Guide MeI’ve learned that the best risks come when I balance emotion with preparation, allowing compassion and passion to guide me but letting logic shape my actions. Before I commit, I pause and ask myself three questions:
I also listen to my gut when the facts and research align, but courage is still required to take the step. Every risk I’ve taken has taught me something, whether it opened a door, closed one, or simply showed me that I was braver than I realized. So, if you’re facing a decision right now, remember this: risk isn’t about recklessness, and it isn’t about self-sacrifice. It is about stepping forward with both courage and clarity, letting compassion and passion light the fire, and letting preparation guide your steps. What’s the next step calling you? And are you ready to take it with both confidence and intention? Upcoming Workshop!I’m excited to share that I’m launching a new class: Start Something Small: A Workshop to Explore, Plan & Launch Your Side Hustle. It’s a two-hour session designed to help you take your ideas and turn them into action. So mark your calendars, registration opens soon!
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The Stress-free CEO
Start where you are. Build what matters.The Stress-Free CEO is a weekly newsletter created for women who are building businesses on their own terms. You'll find clear strategies, supportive advice, and practical tools to help you move forward with confidence. No pressure. No hype. Just the guidance you need to grow a business that feels right for you. Let’s build something meaningful together.
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