Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Debra Mueller | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Founder of C Suite Wellness

Risk is tricky. A part of me is very risk averse but another part is intrigued by possibilities. This requires me to consider risk carefully. I am usually quite methodical when evaluating possible losses and gains. I’ve done it most of my life, so I can usually do a lot of the work in my mind but I will turn to paper and weigh the pros and cons and ways to improve my desired outcomes. Taking risks has provided me with the opportunity to travel the country for 2.5 months, facilitate international workshops, explore multiple business and career opportunities, and build a life more aligned with my authentic self. I can’t pinpoint why I’ve taken the risks I have but I think there were a number of factors that aligned and I felt confident whatever the outcome it would be worth it to me. Read more>>

Jordyn | Entertainer

Risk taking has always played a huge part in my creative career. I grew up in a very unsupportive family. I knew what I was supposed to be from the time I was a very small child, maybe four or five years old. I knew that I was supposed to be an entertainer and that I was supposed to make a big impact in the world, and I never let that get beat out of me. No one in my family wanted me to pursue music or anything creative. They begged me to be a nurse or something normal. So I struggled and I took massive risks. I paid for theater college on my own with student loans I am still paying off. I went broke countless times and sometimes had to add flax seeds to my food to make it fill me up more because I couldn’t afford anything. I tried to become a stripper to support myself. Read more>>

Fanny Hicks | Bakery Owner

I’m naturally a cautious person who avoids risk. Even though I’ve wanted this business for decades I didn’t rush the process. I spent years working on my craft so that I would be able to offer a product of unique value. I also was able to learn from the many businesses where I worked what customers would respond to, how to operate effectively, and what it was I really enjoyed doing. I’m glad I took the time to be as prepared as possible. Nothing is without risk, but by being patient and waiting for the right opportunity I have been able to avoid a lot of the pitfalls I see other new businesses struggle with. Read more>>

Jen Tough | Owner, Jen Tough Gallery & AIR Studios Santa Fe

I’ve always taken a fair amount of risks, even when I was really young, and have been adventurous in general. With the risks, there have been plenty of mistakes, but also rewards. I believe we can’t learn and improve without risk and mistakes. Owning an art gallery is a massive risk in and of itself and not for the faint of heart. One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was buying an old, run down office building that we transformed into rent-by-the-week studio spaces for self-directed residencies, hosting workshops and rotating gallery exhibitions. It was risky primarily because it was a new concept, and we are funding it out of pocket with our life savings. Our space was a creation based on artist input and changes in the art market, and so far, it’s going better than expected. Read more>>

Tyler O’Quinn | Content Creator

I think about risk being an opportunity for growth personally and financially. The opportunity that has presented itself in front of me due to the actions I have taken in my life led me to that spot to make a decision. The role of risk taking has always been a positive and motivating role for me in my life. I believe there will be a positive outcome on any risk. It will either be a lesson learned, even if it’s tough, or it will be the path I was meant to take and will benefit my family and myself spiritually and or financially. Read more>>