(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value, or attitude.)


There is a world of difference between these two, but many times they get conflated. Let’s tease them apart.

Life is risk. Period. No way to change that. Trying to wish away risk is not a useful strategy. Staying stuck and taking no risks doesn’t work either. Instead, managing risk is the game.

But when have you slipped beyond taking appropriate risks and moved into being risky? It’s almost always driven by some inner neediness.

Recall that an unmet inner need is painful. It wants to be filled. A need to be somebody, or be special, or to be in control, or to look good. The list of potential needs is long and varied. Trying to get your needs met can cause you to do risky things.

Maybe you need to be seen as a brave risk-taker! (Here, hold my beer and watch this…)

Highly successful people have learned to study and mitigate risks. Things don’t always work out. But the risk is never fatal—to their resources, relationships, health, or future. And the potential rewards are always worth it. This is known as asymmetric risk; the possible gains are much greater than the possible losses.


Coaching Point: What sounds risky to you?


Copyright 2025 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.