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Growing's a risky business
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 Risky-taking is necessary at times to increase your quality of life. Many times, risk-taking behaviors are viewed as scary and to be avoided. But research shows that productive risk-taking is essential to personal growth.
There is an important distinction between productive and nonproductive risks. A nonproductive, or "empty" risk usually has enormous consequences and is primarily for the sake of a thrill.
A productive risk involves stretching one's limits. Each productive risk moves an individual forward into uncharted territory with a potential for long-term gain. Many times, people view risk taking as the opposite of providing security. Total security would mean there is no change and no growth.
Risk-taking behaviors do create anxiety. You need to find ways to normalize and tolerate the anxiety.
The first step is to acknowledge productive risk-taking as positive. Second, develop strategies to cope with the anxiety. And finally, challenge yourself to engage in ongoing productive risks.
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