Why Staying Safe Is Dangerous

Imagine you're a turkey. Every day is great you get fed, watered, and hang out with your other turkey mates. If you were to look back, then project forward based on the past, tomorrow would be just as good as today.

But there’s one small problem...Turkeys don’t use calendars.

Which means this turkey has no idea that tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

The point is: like the oblivious turkey, we can mistake comfort and routine for safety. Everything seems stable until it’s not.

That’s why we need to build a habit of taking small risks. So when the unexpected hits, we’re prepared… not blindsided.

The Danger of Playing It Safe

Especially as we get older, the idea of taking risks can feel… well, risky. We’ve built careers, established routines, and created a sense of stability.

But what if the biggest risk of all is… not taking any risks?

What if the pursuit of safety is actually the most dangerous path?

As Helen Keller wisely put it:

Playing it safe might feel smart in the moment. But over time, it leads to stagnation — professionally, personally, financially.

The world keeps evolving. And if we don’t adapt, we risk becoming obsolete.

How To Play Risk (The Smart Way)

Taking risks doesn’t mean throwing a month’s pay on black at the casino.

It means making calculated, strategic moves that expand your comfort zone.Here are a few to try:

Voice a Different Opinion: Practice sharing alternative viewpoints in safe settings. Build confidence in your judgment.

Start a Side Project: That hobby you’ve been thinking about? Start it.

Love photography? Launch a local photo blog or offer mini-shoots. You’ll learn new skills like web design and marketing and maybe even create a new income stream.

Challenge Assumptions: At your next meeting, don’t just nod along. Propose a new approach something that shakes up the norm.

If your team always leans on traditional market research, suggest a guerrilla campaign or a social media test to get real-time feedback. Back it with data if you can, but dare to be different.

Take on a Stretch Assignment: Volunteer for a task that pushes your skills. Controlled risk, high reward.

Try a New Route: Literally or figuratively. Take a different road to work. Try a new activity. Train your brain to get comfortable with the unknown.

Ego Is The Enemy (Hat tip to Ryan Holiday)

Ego is that voice that whispers:“What if you fail?”“What will they think?”

Here’s the truth: no one is paying that much attention.

Everyone is too busy worrying about their own stuff.

Separate your worth from your performance. Setbacks are inevitable. Every stumble is a lesson in disguise.

Try this: keep a failure journal. Document what went wrong, what you learned, and how you’ll use that knowledge next time.

Resilience and growth are built here.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, it’s not too late.In fact, this stage of life might be the best time to take calculated risks.

You’ve got experience. You’ve got wisdom. You know what matters.

Use it.

My Tiny Risks

This newsletter? It’s a risk.

Every time I hit publish, I put my ideas out there. I risk feeling foolish if people disagree. I risk a few bucks I’ve invested in the tools. I risk the hours I spend writing.

But you know what? These are tiny risks.

And most of the risks we obsess over in our heads…Are the same.

Here’s a simple exercise: Make two lists:

What could go wrong?What could go right?

Now — look at the “what could go wrong” list. Ask yourself: If that happened… could I recover?

Chances are, the answer is yes.

And if the “what could go right” list excites you? That’s your sign.

What Will You Risk?

Now it’s your turn.

What small risk will you take today?

Will you share a controversial idea at work? Start that side project? Challenge an assumption?

Pick one thing. Commit to it.

Experience the thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Your future self will thank you.

Let me know what you choose. I’m in this with you.

Subscribe if this landed for you.Forward it if you know someone who needs a nudge.