by Larry Wilson
To me, the purpose of a book's Foreword is to give the reader a preview of what they can look “forward to” for investing their time and energy learning what the author is trying to communicate. Well, get ready for a big return on your investment.
You've heard that “When the student is ready, the teacher shows up”? Well, Bill Treasurer is the right teacher, for the right time, to help us get it right about Right Risk-taking. Like any good teacher, he's “been there and done that” when it comes to taking risks. More important, however, he's captured the right insights about risk-taking that we can all understand and apply to our own lives.
And why would we want to do that? Well, take a look out life's window today. The only thing that's certain is uncertainty. Nobody, and I mean nobody, has all the answers. It's all up for grabs, and the rewards will go to those who have learned how to thrive in all this ambiguity. Here, thriving is the effect. Risk-taking is the cause.
So, how does Right Risking fit into this new formula of success? For starters, we're heading down a new road where no man, woman, or child has ever been before. We're traveling into a future world of change that's changing differently than change has ever changed in the past. If you are not confused by it all, you're just not paying attention.
This new future is not entirely predictable. The best we can do is be prepared for it. We can no longer sit around waiting for somebody else to tell us “what's up” or what to do about it. They don't know the answer either. That means it's up to us to prepare ourselves.
And where did you learn to take risks? Did your Mom ever say, “Now go out and take some real risks today, honey, so you can prepare yourself for an uncertain future?” I don't think so. Did you learn risk-taking at school? I don't think so. Did your job, your boss, or your culture train you in the ten principles of Right Risk-taking? Again, I don't think so. What all of them gave you was plenty of advice on how to avoid risks, on how to “Play not to lose.”
I've spent most of my work life attempting to help people overcome these early cultural mis-teachings. Some of the hardest risks we take are asking for help, saying we're sorry, or forgiving someone we believe did us in. It's big time risk-taking to change your career, to change your mind, or to change your responses to life. Any of these require Right Choices and Right Risks. Having the right coach to support you can really help. With Bill Treasurer and this book at your side, you'll find your way to choose growth over fear.
So, go ahead. Take the risk. Your life is worth it.
Larry Wilson,
founder of The Wilson Learning Group and
The Pecos River Learning Centers,
co-author of Play to Win
and The One-Minute Sales Person
