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.

JL Regal

Taking a risk is the most terrifying yet necessary action an artist could take because you’re going against everything you thought you knew by challenging your ideation and interpretation. I took a risk a year or two ago by deleting 4 years of work, every song I’ve made up to that point because I felt like none of them possessed the substance of what it meant to be a reflection of me as an artist. I would rather start at the bottom, barely knowing who I am, than start at the top not knowing how I got there. Read more>>

Samantha Red

If there’s anything I’ve learned especially in this industry, it’s taking risks no matter how daunting they may seem. I took a huge risk moving from Texas to LA leaving my family behind and everything I’ve ever known to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. It felt very lonely and scary at first and I constantly questioned whether I had made the right decision. Despite the feelings of uncertainty, I pushed through. Today, almost 2 years later, I’ve met incredible artists, and producers, and have even gotten to play at some amazing venues like The Mint LA and The Hotel Cafe. Even though all of this continues to be completely out of my comfort zone and there are constant feelings of anxiety and fear bubbling up, it has never once felt wrong in my gut. I think listening to your body is so important when deciding to take a big risk. Something may feel off or unusual, and I can happily say it has never felt that way since being here. Making that decision led me to discover my strengths and levels of perseverance I never thought I had, and it allowed me to meet talented individuals who have pushed me and helped me grow as an artist. Read more>>

DANIEL SKY

I love risk! Fate Loves The Fearless, and taking risk shows you have belief in whatever it is that you are involved in! I think about risk like many others, what’s the worst that can happen and what’s the best that can happen. The best that can happen always out weights the worst for me. My whole life is risk so it played a huge part, to go against society’s norms and pursue something you believe in is one of the biggest risk a person can take. Read more>>

Dempsey Thomas

I think that risks are integral to the creative process. Just the act of pursuing art in any kind of serious capacity is inherently risky. Unlike most traditional careers, there’s no guaranteed road map for how to be successful in art, and it takes luck and perhaps a little delusion to make it. Any time I have made strides in my artistic career it’s because I had the opportunity to do something that I had never done before, opportunities that made me nervous and feel like an imposter, but sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and trust that you can rely on your abilities. Creative risks are also important; I find that the work I’m often most excited about came out of experimentation- trying something I haven’t tried before, or using a material I am unfamiliar with. Read more>>

Natasha McPherson

I think you’re always one risk away from opening the door for yourself to genuine success and ultimate happiness. Throughout my career, especially during my formative years, I found myself rarely adhering to the safe and conventional path (figurately). Now and then, whenever inspiration strikes– I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to push the boundaries of possibility and draw lines outside of the box. When I look back, no matter what’s going on, I’m always so glad I did. Some of it was crazy, can’t believe it worked out.. but…. You have to trust yourself, listen to your emotions, bet and believe in yourself. You can and will be fine. Embracing the challenge of self-discovery, fearlessly embracing risks, and nurturing a strong unwavering sense of love and care will awaken the dormant potential for profound growth. This will ensure that you not only persevere but flourish in the body of your authentic self. Read more>>

Thing of Twins

I feel like taking risks are absolutely necessary for growth in success and discover new horizons. As an independent artists, taking risks is something we have faced over and over in our music career from high-schoolers into our adult life. At times we tend to fail harder more than times we succeed, but even though it ain’t much, it still fuels our spirits and putting fire in our bones to pick ourselves up and try again. This only further improves our experiences and helps stays resilient regardless of the outcome. Read more>>

Anna Sidana

My elementary school motto was ‘Courage is Destiny’. This has always stayed with me and when in doubt, it has helped me take the leap. After raising my two wonderful children and a lifetime career in technology, I knew I had to make a change. I ended up taking some art classes and that opened a whole new world. I realized that art had always been inside me. It was calling and I wanted to dive into art deeper. I restructured my life and went back to school to get a Master of Fine Arts. Art school, later in life was an amazing experience. I flourished and decided to become a full-time artist. There was plenty of hard work, bumps, and self-doubt, but I stayed true to myself in my art practice and committed to this path with a passion. I believed in myself and have never looked back. Read more>>

Tiffany Bell

In 2017 was when I decided to jump in with both feet and pursue my career as a freelance photographer. Knowing the potential risks of income instability, market competition, uncertain workload and all of the other self-employment responsibilities and still going for it, was either incredibly stupid, remarkably brave most likely – both. In light of these risks, which have proven to be genuine challenges I encountered, and undoubtedly, I will encounter a varied iteration of them in the times ahead. Being a photographer has been and continues to be rewarding and fulfilling. I have the freedom to choose projects, work with diverse clients and pursue my creative vision and make it a reality. Read more>>

Muuzik

Risk taking is what actually allows your dreams to become goals and eventually transform into reality. The element of responsibility honestly develops more when you start taking risks. Even now, that’s honestly what’s kind of allowed my career to start shifting into what I have always envisioned. Read more>>

Laura Dority

I think risk taking is how you discover what you truly want for yourself. If you let the fears that come along with risk stop you, you’ll never discover what you were actually capable of. Risk in my career has been a huge impact. I moved across the country from Kentucky to California to be a dancer. Not knowing the months later, acting would be my true passion. If I had not risked the life I knew before, I wouldn’t have seen how great this life is now. Read more>>

Kahlelah Goodine

“Risk” is a scary word! It involves putting everything you know and have, on the line. It involves a 50/50 chance for your next endeavor to work or not, and it requires you to move forward even in that uncertainty. Risk is “all or nothing,” with the likelihood of nothing at the forefront. It is a very uncomfortable position, because you have no reassurance outside of your own optimism. Risk magnifies the 50% chance that something will not work, almost overshadowing the 50% chance of success. Read more>>

Grant Mannschreck

If there is a risk involved, I am the one to tackle it head on. I never shy away from taking risks and diving headfirst into the unknown, because I believe being fearless of what’s ahead is the moment when people grow and expand in the most unexpected ways. Expansion in all ways has been a huge proponent and mantra in my life, because if I’m not evolving as a human, complacency might creep into my life. There’s too much to work towards for me to get complacent now, or ever for that matter. The work both internally and externally will never stop in my life, no matter what risk or challenge lies ahead. The beauty of life lives just beyond that seemingly unknown obstacle, and I will always wait in anticipation for what’s next to overcome. Take it one obstacle at a time, and the outcome will always be more beautiful than anyone could imagine. Read more>>

Cecilie Stuart

My life is all about risk taking- life is essentially a creative act. I began as a ballet dancer and had a successful career as film and TV dancer/choreographer. Everyday I had to step onto a blank canvas and create art and a career where you had to compete against hundreds of talented dancers for a job every time you worked. I risked my talent, my reputation and my personal integrity everyday in order to shine. After becoming a parent and raising a girl and boy, I taught them how to dance and become creative activists, through my non-profit, Move the World. We all began taking risks through performing on behalf of the earth and environmental justice throughout Los Angeles. Inspiring youth to have their voices be heard and stand up for the planet is a risky act. We had to have courage and speak out and lead humanity toward a more sustainable future. We didn’t know how people would respond, in fact, this was the time when climate deniers ran politics and the social climate. It wasn’t certain if our audiences would agree or start to take action to eliminate plastic pollution, reduce consumerism, or rally to support climate refugees. But taking risks doesn’t have any guarantees, but it does make you feel vital and inspired that you are living your purpose. That’s what we learned. Now our non-profit project is called Full Circle Compost, is teaching hundreds of people how to compost and regenerate soil which is a powerful climate solution. We are changing hearts and hands- turning food waste into regenerative soil. Again cutting new territory- taking risks all the way! Read more>>

Rosabelle

Risk taking has been a huge factor for my self development and even spiritual growth. Through taking some of the most outrageous risks, I was able to connect with my true self and learn how to trust my intuition – which led me to find my path. Now, more than ever, I happily honor myself by doing what I love – making music – which probably would’ve never happened had I not taken certain risks. Read more>>

Garrett Alvarado

NO RISK NO REWARD. Risk has been a huge part of my life/career. Always being the friend or sibling that’s going against the grain. It seems risky betting on yourself at first but overtime you’ll realize the risk is putting your future in the hands of others. Read more>>

Igor Faria

I adopt a thoughtful and informed approach, evaluating potential outcomes and considering risk mitigation strategies. Taking calculated risks has played a significant role in fostering both personal and professional growth, allowing me to seize opportunities and innovate while being mindful of potential challenges. Read more>>

Leah Kitching

I have been a long time believer in manifestation and listening to my intuition. This has been so helpful in every aspect of both my life and my career, and I’m a big fan of calculated risks and green flags. When I visualize my future I make aligned choices that feel right in the moment. Starting my own business was a dream I had for years, and I believed I deserved no matter the obstacles in my way. Having the steadfast belief helped mitigate any risks and allowed me to find the opportunities to create my life and business. Read more>>

Candace Gallegos

I think everyone NEEDS to take calculated risks in their life and not just with their career but with anything and everything. RISKS are part of the reason why I am where I am today . If you ask the people who know me best they will tell you I’m definitely a person who lives for the risk. That’s been a blessing and curse my whole life. I’ve never really allowed fear to guide me but I know what I’m capable of and taking risks has allowed me to experience things in my career and personal life that I only thought were in my dreams . I don’t see myself as a failure when a risk I take doesn’t pan out the way I expect but I see it as a lesson learned . I’m just more knowledgeable at that point on how to move forward. Taking a risk on myself has always gotten me where I need to be . Not always in the way I expect or the way I imagined but I’m always that much closer to where I want to be. Read more>>

Emma Younan

You’ll never try harder than when you don’t have a backup plan. If I’d known that in case film doesn’t work out, I could just go to my comfortable second option, the comfortable office job I don’t like but don’t hate, which will get me nothing but a paycheck and bad posture from the office chairs, I wouldn’t have tried nearly as hard as I do when I had no job, a film degree collecting dust, and rent due tomorrow. Someone with no safety net, who is entirely self-reliant on their income to cover all their expenses, whose only option is creating their art, that person has to be successful. Every day I tell myself I’ll write another screenplay. And every day I go to work on set for 12 hours, come home exhausted, and fall into bed. I have not opened Final Draft in a while. But if I had gotten a “safe” degree instead of going to film school, meeting creative people and getting into the camera department, then I’d be telling myself that one day I’d work on a set, if it weren’t for my 9 to 5. Taking risks gives me the adrenaline push I need to actually put in the work to reach my goals. Read more>>

Emily Phelps

I think risk is necessary in being successful. I don’t believe you build a successful business or live a memorable life by playing it safe. I constantly take risks with my business, but with the understanding that sometimes ideas don’t work and you can’t linger; you have to keep it moving. I really believe success comes from multiple working parts at the same time, and letting go of the things (and sometimes people & places) that don’t serve you. Read more>>

Sari Shryack

I often contemplate risk in my practice, perhaps because I grew up below the poverty line. In many cases, landing in poverty is the result of losing some kind of gamble, be it the pursuit of the American dream or a career in the arts. This familiarity with the pain and hardship of struggling has driven me to work incredibly hard. Since January 2016, I have painted almost every single day. Read more>>

Alex Haughey

I never thought of the pursuit of a creative life as a risk as a young man. It all just seemed like steps along the path I was treading. It wasn’t until adult life really set in — getting married, buying a house, having children — that I started to feel the pain of beating my head against this wall for all these years. I have had some unmitigated wins, but I always feel like I am looking up at the floor of where I want to be. Read more>>

James A. Heim

Risk equals rewards. You can’t get the things you want from life without going out and chasing them. All the beautiful, wonderful, fulfilling, exciting things are waiting for you outside of your comfort zone. It’s up to you to take the leap. The author Jon Krakauer said, “There are two great risks in life. Risking too much and risking too little.” I think most people risk too little and then wonder why they aren’t any closer to the things they desire, whether that’s a career, a hobby, a lover, or a closer relationship to those around them. Anything really. Risk is imperative to growth and I think that’s especially true for creatives. We’re constantly chasing growth, something new, something different. And I can feel it when I’m not taking risks and not growing. That’s when life gets stagnant, and I get bored and depressed. I’m someone who thrives on working hard and being productive. I’m motivated to take risks because almost every time I do, it pays off in one way or another, and it keeps me moving in the direction I want to be going. Read more>>

Fran Strine

Risk… Prior to being a full-time filmmaker I was touring video/photographer for well known music artists traveling the world and make a great living. I gave up a lucrative career and jumped into the complete unknown of documentary filmmaking, Read more>>

JP Donahue

I think about risk differently. Most think about the risk of failure if they try something new or different. Thinking about risk this way limits what is possible. I think about the risk of being unhappy. The risk of not living my life the way that I would like to. The risk of being trapped doing something that you’re not passionate about. The risk of life passing you by. Read more>>

Vas Priebe

In business, you have to be willing to take risks, if you aren’t, owning your own business may not be for you. In my experience, they go hand in hand. There are no guarantees in business, so simply starting your own business is a risk, especially if it’s your full time gig. On that same note, I think that’s what drives me, almost inspires me… that little rush of adrenaline when making decisions that will change the trajectory of your business – for better or worse – hopefully, better. For me, the same has been true in my personal life. Maybe it’s because my life and my career are so intertwined. I’m in wellness because I got sick. Healing my body required me taking risks, different kinds of risks, but risks nonetheless. In the end, the option to take a risk is dependent on the person. Some choose to make “safe” choices, for me, that’s just no fun. I like to keep things interesting. Read more>>

Treeh

Risk is something we naturally want to avoid. We want the soft cushy life. With everything laid out nice and neat awaiting our arrival. But I learned that comfortability does not bold well for progression and success. And I wanted to hit it big, and make major moves for my family and the community. I couldn’t play it safe if I was was going to really make an impact. I had to take on the risk of people’s scrutiny and judgement while I poured myself into the music. The risk of releasing something into the world eventually got easier when I realized the reward was simple. If I was able to reach that one person my lyric or melody was meant for, then it was worth it. I’ve grown to embrace the risks that comes with being myself and speaking my truth, because the reward is rocking out with the ones that are rocking with me. Read more>>

Lori Pond

I think I was born without the fear gene, because I’ve always taken risks. The biggest risk I ever took was when I bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle without knowing how to ride a motorcycle. I had a few close calls, but I kept riding! Read more>>

Hoda Hakimjavadi

When I was at UCLA for my bachelors degree I initially wanted to pursue a career as a physician. The field of nutrition had not grown to what it is today. I stumbled across a book written on the impacts of nutrition and that is what lead me to pursue a career as a clinical dietitian. It was a big leap of faith, but looking back I am so grateful I took that risk and now practice in the field that I am most passionate about. Read more>>