Risks

If you're not motivated to make more out of your life and to try new things after the last blogs, then I suggest you read all the blogs again :-). The last post was about the saying: "When one door closes, another opens". After the last blog, I received more inquiries about "fear of the new and unknown" and "what to do when you lack the courage to go through a new door". This inspired me to write this blog for you, and my answer to this question is: Try to establish a good risk and probability assessment for every important step in your life!

The first step is to understand what's at stake. Probability refers to the chance that a specific event will occur, while risk assesses the potential consequences of that event and its impact on our lives. This distinction helps you break down the unknown into smaller, more understandable parts, confront your fears, and find ways to overcome them. It's not about making risky decisions blindly, but about consciously deciding which risks are worth taking.

To conduct an effective risk assessment and probability check, start by clearly defining the potential risk. Ask yourself: "What's the worst that could happen, and how likely is it to occur?" This requires gathering information, weighing possible outcomes, and estimating the likelihood of each outcome. Creating a list of pros and cons and comparing them against your personal or professional goals can be helpful. Also, consider what resources (time, money, energy) you're willing to invest and what consequences (positive and negative) are associated with each decision.

However, our own misjudgment of risks and fear of the unknown often hold us back. We hesitate to ask questions or express our opinions, fearing rejection or embarrassment. But upon closer inspection, a simple question rarely carries real risks. Similarly, when it comes to self-perception and seizing opportunities, many shy away from applying for job positions because they see themselves as inadequately qualified. This type of self-doubt is a form of incorrect risk assessment.

Misjudgment of risk due to overestimation of oneself can be as detrimental as fear. If you overestimate your abilities, resources, or control over situations, you tend to underestimate risks and put yourself into situations that are more dangerous or challenging than you can actually handle. This kind of misjudgment can lead to hasty decisions that not only jeopardize your current projects but also your long-term goals. It's important to find a balance and maintain a realistic view of your competencies and the situation. An objective assessment, possibly by seeking feedback from trustworthy individuals, can help calibrate your self-perception and enable a more informed risk assessment.

Another important step is to develop strategies to minimize potential negative impacts. This could mean having a Plan B or taking preparatory measures to reduce risk. By going through this process, you can make an informed decision based on a clear assessment of risks and probabilities, rather than on fear or uncertainty.

In conclusion, Matze's practical tips: It's true that we are ultimately alone responsible for our actions and our lives, and we should not let negative influences from our environment stop us from going our way. However, we must not forget that we do not exist in isolation from the world. We live in a network of relationships and obligations that influence our decisions far beyond ourselves. Finding a balance between pursuing our own goals and considering the impact of our decisions on others is crucial. Naturally, every decision we make will affect our environment, and that is the nature of every relationship. Just make sure that your decisions do not harm anyone and, if there's no other way, show compassion. Here too, the rule applies: "Always treat others as you would like to be treated"... stay tuned.

This time, there's another book recommendation on the topic: "Rsiko" von Gerd Gigerenzer, Pantheon Verlag; ISBN: 978-3570554425