Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing. - Warren Buffet

Are you sure, Warren? That would imply the inexistence of manageable risk.

Otherwise, how could we be able to evaluate or forecast something we actually don't know?

As a surfer I have to practically deal with risk on a daily basis. However, besides extreme sports there are numerous life situations that bring us close to our limits or even further.

So where should we draw the line?

How do we know where to stop?

The red flag at my local surf spot. Do you believe it kept me off paddling out?

Living On The Edge

Most of the decisions that we make close to borderlines depend on our own experience of life.

In the end pondering risk versus chance means recalling our personal statistics. How many times have we been in a similar situation? How did we behave? Which were the corresponding results?

If you are familiar with the 80/20 principle, then you know that most of the things we experience in our lives don't matter, while a few matter a lot. There is a very small number of choices we make that will determine the great majority of results.

The 80/20 principle provides us with a general map of reality.

However, life is not linear and doesn't strictly follow mathematical forecasts. The very reason for that circumstance is that we're human beings.

Usually the big decisions in life are directly related with our personal well-being, thus there's always an emotional component - the unpredictable part.

On the edge of life nothing can be foreseen.

Life is a succession of choices.

Like in a game that is played out over a lifetime, the choices we make will be fateful and determine the path we choose, where and how we end up and finally how we feel about it.

It's in the nature of things that we usually tend to opt for the less risky path. Human beings are not per se adventurous.

We are innately risk averse and afraid of putting our vulnerability on the line. The status quo, while not particularly fulfilling, can seem like an easier, softer, less scary, option. Indeed, advances in brain imaging technology can now verify that we human beings are wired to be risk averse. In other words, we find it much easier to settle with the status quo, keep our mouths closed and our heads down rather than make a change, take a chance, or speak up and engage in what I call a 'courageous conversation.' - 'Brave' by Margie Warrel

Yet, we are an intelligent species and pretty aware of the fact that the exciting life begins at the end of our comfort zones.

It's a constant game.

While the angel that is sitting on our left shoulder recommends to close our eyes, the devil on the right pushes us forward towards the unknown.

It's a fine line.

When weighing up whether to take an action that could leave us vulnerable to failing or some other form or loss - such as losing reputation, money, fame or social standing - we have an innate tendency to avoid risk.

Sometimes one single choice is able to change our lives forever.

Then we've got the opportunity to succeed in all ranks or miserably fail. All-in or nothing.

Where do we draw the line? Do we mainly follow our own instinct? Is risk-taking part of our DNA?

A great majority of phenomena that take place in this universe are scientifically proven.

According to neurologists we are much better in creating an imaginary drama than fireworks. Human beings are doubters and skeptics who love playing safe.

The point is, we are neurologically wired to exaggerate how bad things could be if our plans didn't work out, and we fail to appreciate our ability to intervene to ward off further impact. - Margie Warrel for forbes.com

Thus, how far we go highly depends on our ability of breaking through these walls.

Taking risks means being creative in a positive sense: the more developed our imagination of success, the higher the chances that we exceed our limits.

I think I'd always prefer to be a risk taker, rule breaker and chance taker!

Otherwise we wouldn't ever come to know where to draw the line...

Best,
Marly -

Thanks for your valuable time!
This blog was launched at the end of July 2016
aiming to provide interesting stories for open-minded
people who enjoy living on the edge of their lives,
stepping out of comfort zones, going on adventure,
doing extreme sports and embracing the new.
Welcome to the too-much-energy-blog!

PS: Don't forget to visit my new site surfermarly.com 👈

Original content. Quotes found on quotefancy.com, blog.creativelive.com and lovethispic.com.