Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Jessica Moore | Interior Designer – Realtor – Advertising

I have always been a risk taker, its in my nature, but always with healthy caution and forethought. You cannot move forward, grow, or realize potential and opportunities without taking risks. I’m always telling people, “just be the Nike Symbol” – just do it! In my design business I am paid to assist in making decisions that people otherwise may be overthinking or do have enough knowledge to make a decision. Read more>>

Christian Langston | Music Producer, Assistant Content Director for Moon Lvnding

I’ve always believed taking risks is a crucial part of a successful life, at least for myself. There is something inherently human about risk taking; it implies that we have calculated the possible outcomes, and chose to face adversity for the chance at a greater reward. Risk is at the core of every great story, because without risk, there is no adventure. Read more>>

Travis Bradley | Design Build Construction Company Business Owner

I embrace risk. It’s hard to imagine not leaning into those risky situations where the end result is unknown. Whether or not a decision is right, there is growth in risking it. When I am assessing risk, I try to analyze and extract data to mitigate “the risk” but sometimes it comes down to intuition and feeling good. Risk taking has brought me to my present position in life. Read more>>

Ruben Alvarez | Founder Of The Marketing Hunters

I have found that risk usually equates to some form of fear. I need to determine a lot of the time if I am afraid to make a decision or if it is just a bad decision. Fear should never control our lives. Therefore, if I know I should have a little more risk in my business, such as hiring someone new, hosting a conference or running a huge campaign, the risk should have a benefit. I can’t simply say yes to everything just because I am a thrill seeker. Read more>>