Have you ever looked back on your life and wished you’d taken more risks? It’s a common thought that many of us have at some point—especially when we realize how much our decisions shape the course of our lives. From choosing to move to a new city to making that bold career shift, the risks we take—or avoid—are crucial in determining our personal and professional growth. But what if you’re taking too few risks?

Understanding how risks influence our lives and why we often hesitate to take them can help you make more intentional choices and live with fewer regrets. In this post, we’ll explore how the risks you take—or don’t take—shape your life, and why embracing calculated risk-taking is essential for growth and success.

The Courage Gap: Why We Hesitate to Take Risks

Our brains are wired for self-preservation, not self-actualization. This means that when we face a decision to step out of our comfort zone, our brain instinctively tries to protect us by steering us toward the familiar and the safe. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge at work, speaking up in a meeting, or even taking a leap in our personal life, our minds often find reasons to hold us back.

This fear-based hesitation creates what I call the “courage gap”—the space between who we are right now and who we could become if we consistently practiced courage. And while it’s normal to feel afraid, it’s important to understand that courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to take action despite it.

Confidence Is Built Through Action, Not Waiting for the Perfect Moment

So, when will you feel "ready" to take risks? The truth is, waiting for the perfect moment to feel more confident may leave you waiting forever. Confidence is something you build through action, not before it. The more risks you take, the more capable you’ll feel. In fact, each small act of courage makes the next one easier.

On the flip side, avoiding risks may feel safe in the short term, but in the long run, it keeps you stuck. Research shows that avoiding risk can actually increase anxiety, as our brains become conditioned to view discomfort as a threat. A study in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry found that repeated avoidance behaviors reinforce fear and make it harder to take action in the future.

Courage Has Real, Measurable Benefits

Courage isn’t just an abstract virtue—it’s a skill with tangible benefits. Studies have shown that courage is linked to higher levels of psychological capital (PsyCap)—a combination of confidence, optimism, hope, and resilience. For entrepreneurs, this means greater fulfillment and lower stress, despite the uncertainties that come with business ventures.

Beyond business, courage has been found to impact job performance. Research published in the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology, and Education found that courageous employees—those who propose bold ideas, tackle conflicts, or step into leadership roles—tend to have higher career satisfaction and contribute more to their organizations.

Taking Smart Risks vs. Recklessness

Of course, not every risk is wise. Aristotle once described courage as the "golden mean"—the balance between cowardice and recklessness. It’s not about acting without fear, but about making informed decisions regarding which fears are worth overcoming. This is where “calculated risk-taking” comes into play.

According to the American Psychological Association, those who engage in deliberate, thoughtful risk-taking are more likely to experience long-term success and fulfillment than those who act impulsively. So, rather than asking, “Am I afraid?” ask yourself, “Is this fear holding me back from something that truly matters?”

How to Start Taking More Risks

The good news is that courage is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. But how do you start taking more risks? Here are a few manageable ways to begin:

• Try something new, like a challenging recipe or a new fitness routine.

• Initiate a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.

• Speak up in meetings when you normally stay silent.

• Apply for that dream job, even if you feel underqualified.

By taking small risks like these, you’ll start rewiring your brain to see challenges as opportunities, not threats. Neuroscience shows that taking risks strengthens neural pathways related to resilience, making future acts of courage feel more natural.

Courage is Contagious: Surround Yourself with Risk-Takers

One powerful way to build courage is to surround yourself with people who encourage risk-taking. Studies from Harvard Business School found that people are more likely to take risks when they see others doing the same. This is known as “courage contagion”—when the bold actions of others inspire you to take risks as well.

Another tool to reinforce your courageous actions is keeping a courage journal. By writing down moments when you acted bravely, no matter how big or small, you can reinforce your identity as someone who takes risks. The more you see yourself as courageous, the more you will act accordingly.

Regret and Growth: Why It’s the Risks We Don’t Take That We Regret Most

Researchers have found that we are three times more likely to regret the risks we didn’t take than those we did. Even if our risks don’t always lead to success, we learn from them, grow, and build resilience. It’s why courage begets courage—each step you take toward overcoming fear opens the door for the next one.

The reality is that your life will expand in proportion to the risks you’re willing to take. Even if you fail, you’ll learn valuable lessons that will help you grow and take more meaningful risks in the future. So don’t wait until you feel ready—take that first step today.