Risk is defined as: someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.

Most of the time, when people speak of or refer to risks or taking risks, it is negatively frowned upon, and thought of as something that should be avoided. In contrast to this common perception, I’d like to think of risks and associate them with experiences and wisdom that one gains throughout life.

A lot of people often mistake a risk taker for a rule breaker. To clarify, a risk taker is simply someone who challenges themself by stepping out of their comfort zone and expanding their horizon to other possibilities and opportunities ahead.

Being a risk taker doesn't make you a bad person - it just means you are more adventurous and willing to take the alternate road. In fact, risk taking can lead to some benefits, especially if these steps are taken:

The first step in taking a risk is actually building the confidence to pursue it. Because without confidence, how could you carry it out?

Secondly, one has to develop the courage to take action. Without being able to convince oneself that you are strong and brave enough to leave your comfort zone, the more confined you become to the possibilities life has to offer you.

The third step is to not overthink. Overthinking is something everyone is guilty of doing at some point in their life; however, when it comes to risks, there are times when you just have to jump in and let the course take you.

If you do take a risk, do not always expect the outcome to be perfect. There is always the contingency that faults and mistakes may occur along the way, and that is okay. Often times, our greatest lessons come from our faults and by accepting them, we are sharpened in a way that surpasses our initial expectancies, making us stronger and willing to do better next time.

Society needs to become more open-minded about the benefits of taking risks. It should no longer be frowned upon solely as something hazardous, but appreciated as something worthy. Risks offer people a new perspective in life and open doors of opportunity that may not necessarily be available through one’s comfort zone.

Every one has a risky edge within them; however, whether one decides to embrace it is what ultimately enhances their overall life fullness.

Therefore, if one were to ask me what is a risk, my response would be: A risk is the opportunity to confidently gain life experience and wisdom regardless of the outcome.

Risk=opportunity, experience, challenge, reward, success, confidence and creativity.