Are you playing it safe?
Photo by Erik Mclean
A few weeks ago I joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. I'm immensely grateful for this opportunity, and what a ride it's been already! I've had aha moments and I've been challenged more than I expected, and I still have no idea where I'll be in the end but I'm hanging on for dear life.
One of the biggest aha moments I've had is that I play it pretty safe when it comes to my business.
One of the instructors encouraged a participant, "if someone hasn't done it, why shouldn't it be you?" It got me thinking.
This is how I act in my everyday life. If no one else volunteers to share, I will. If I see something I think is unethical, I'll speak up. If I'm confused, I assume someone else is and ask the "dumb" question.
But.
When it comes to my business, do I step up and take a risk? Not really. I see this program as my chance to do just that, so this is the path I'll take and see where it leads.
Why am I sending you this message today? I want you to reflect on this too. Most of you are not business owners, but this applies to everyone.
In your career, have you played it safe? Have you taken risks?
What else do you want out of your job or career?
Have you talked to people who work in other types of jobs that seem interesting to you?
If you're searching for a job, are you limiting yourself by what you did in your last job or your career?
Dream with me and see where it takes you.