Passion Struck with John R. Miles - The Six Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth w/ John R. Miles EP 331

Starting point is 00:00:00 Coming up next, on PassionStruck, risk-taking is a necessity because it drives progress, innovation and growth in a rapidly evolving world where change is constant and opportunities are fleeting. Taking calculated risks is the catalyst that propels individuals, businesses, and societies forward. Welcome to PassionStruck. Hi, I'm your host, John Armiles.

Starting point is 00:00:24 And on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors,

Starting point is 00:00:54 CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to my Mentum Friday and episode 331 of PassionStruck. Ranked by Apple is one of the top 10 health podcasts and the number one alternative health podcast. And thank you to each and every one of you who come back weekly to listen and learn how to live better, be better and impact the world. PassionStruck is also on sedicated radio on the Brushwood Media Network and you can tune in Monday and Friday from 5 to 6 p.m.

Starting point is 00:01:29 Eastern time on your evening commute. Links will be in the show notes. If you're new to the show, thank you so much for being here. Or you simply want to introduce it to a friend or family member. We now have stutterpacks which are collections of our fans favorite episodes that we organize in the community topics that give any new listener a great way to get acclimated to everything we do here on the show. Either go to Spotify or PassionStruct.com slash starterpacks to get started. In case you missed it, earlier in the week, I had two great interviews. The first was with neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leif, who is known for her science-backed mind-management techniques, we discussed her brand new book, How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess.

Starting point is 00:02:07 I also had on social psychologist and Stanford professor Brian Lowry. In our interview, we discussed Brian's new book, Selfless, The Social Creation of You. And we delve into the depths of introspection. We peel back the layers of conditioning, societal expectations, and self-imposed limitations. Learning how to allow our authentic selves to emerge from the shadows. Please check those all out, and I also wanted to say thank you so much for your continued support. If you loved any of those episodes or today's, we would so appreciate it if you gave

Starting point is 00:02:39 it a 5-star rating and review. All those rating and reviews go such a long way into helping us increase passion struck community where we can give people meaning hope, connection and inspiration in their lives. I also know that we and our guests love to hear comments from you. In fact, you can go to the show notes where we have the email address where you can write in and give suggestions for topics that you would like to hear me cover on these Momentum Friday episodes or you can ask us to have certain guests on the show as well. Now let's talk about today's episode. As individuals, we each harbor dreams and aspirations, seeking to optimize opportunities for personal growth and extraordinary achievement. However, the path to realizing these desires

Starting point is 00:03:21 is often accompanied by uncertainty and choosing to embrace these ambitions, as spite the risks involved is a crucial decision. Frequently, when the term risk is mentioned, we tend to associate it with something that is hazardous and linked to negative outcomes. We often view risk takers as imprudent individuals, engaging in potentially harmful activities, and thus we see risk as something to steer clear of. However, in its genuine essence, taking risks is a fundamental aspect of life for anyone who is seeking progress and growth. In this episode, I'll discuss the necessity of risk taking. Delving into the distinction between healthy risks and poor choices,

Starting point is 00:04:03 I'll emphasize the significance of embracing healthy risks. Y'all then too, the reasons for our reluctance to take risks and ultimately demonstrate how you can take calculated risks that lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The kick thing is off, let's explore the inspiring stories of Netflix's founders, Reed Hastings and Mark Randolph, who fearlessly took risks and achieved remarkable success as a result. Thank you for choosing PassionStruck and choosing me to be your hosting guide on your journey to creating an intentional life. Now let that journey begin.

Starting point is 00:04:43 The story of Netflix is a tale of risk-taking and innovation that revolutionized the entertainment industry. It all began in the late 1990s when two entrepreneurs Reed Hastings and Mark Randolph decided to challenge the traditional video rental model that was dominated by brick and mortar stores like Blockbuster. Reed Hastings, frustrated by paying late fees for rented videos, came up with the idea of an online DVD rental service that also had no late fees. This concept was the first risk that was taken by the founders.

Starting point is 00:05:15 In 1997 Hastings and Randolph co-founded the company Netflix, offering a novel way for customers to rent DVDs online and have them delivered to their house through mail. In the late 1990s, the internet was still in the early stages, and e-commerce was not as prevalent as it is today, so betting on its profitability was a risk for them. However, Hastings and Randolph saw the opportunity to harness the internet's reach and efficiency to transform the way that people watch and rented their movies. The original business model was built on the assumption that the majority of customers would appreciate the convenience of online ordering and home delivery over visiting physical rental stores.

Starting point is 00:05:56 Thankfully, it worked out well and gained traction. As Netflix's online rental operations progressed, the founders faced yet another pivotal moment. Whether to stick with the DVD rental by mail model or take an even bigger risk and pivot into streaming, Reed Hastings saw the potential for streaming technology and its ability to disrupt the DVD rental market even further. In 2007, Netflix introduced its first streaming service, allowing subscribers to watch movies and TV shows instantaneously over the internet on their computers.

Starting point is 00:06:29 This was such a significant risk, as it required renegotiating license agreements with content providers, investing heavily in streaming infrastructure, and most importantly convincing subscribers to adapt to this new model. At the time, streaming technology was still in its infancy, and the concept of binge-watching shows had not yet become a cultural norm. Despite these challenges, the gamble paid off. Streaming service became wildly popular, positioning Netflix as a pioneer in the digital media landscape. As a company grew, it faced increased competition from traditional media companies to other streaming services.

Starting point is 00:07:05 To stay ahead, the founders made yet another risky decision, investing heavily in producing original content by creating and owning its own shows and movies. Netflix reduced its reliance on external studios and gained more control over its offerings. The move required substantial financial investments, and the success of the original content was uncertain, but it ultimately propelled Netflix to new heights. The last risk that was undertaken by the Netflix founders was expanding Netflix's reach beyond the United States. They believe that the service could succeed globally, even in diverse markets with varying taste and experiences. Expanding internationally was a challenging challenging feat as it involved adapting to local cultures, dealing with language barriers and navigating complex licensing agreements.

Starting point is 00:07:53 However, Netflix's calculated risk paid a primary example of how embracing innovation and fearlessly embarking on audacious risks and paved the way for extraordinary accomplishments. The insights gleaned from their stance on risk-taking hold relevance not only for their business journey, but also offer valuable applications in our individual lives. Now let's dive into the essence of risk and why it truly matters. In doing so, it's essential to understand that not all risks are the same, and the key lies in differentiating between healthy risks and unnecessary ones, which are merely bad choices. Healthy risks are well researched, educated, and taken responsibly. They are calculated endeavors that offer the potential for positive outcomes and personal growth.

Starting point is 00:08:48 On the other hand, unnecessary risks stem from impulsivity and the lack of consideration for potential consequences, leading to unfavorable results. For example, putting all of your savings into a new venture without understanding the market and industry dynamics and merely hoping for success is an outright reckless approach representing an unnecessary risk. Conversely engaging in thorough research, seeking expert advice and thoughtfully investing a portion of your savings in a well assessed opportunity represents a worthwhile risk. As we proceed, it's crucial to be mindful and intentional about the types of risks that

Starting point is 00:09:27 we choose to embrace, making well-informed decisions, and being aware of potential pitfalls can significantly impact the outcomes of the risks that we take. The ultimate goal is to adopt a balanced approach, engaging in educated and responsible risk taking, while avoiding hasty and reckless choices. This way, we can navigate the path of growth more effectively and with greater confidence. Let's go through the importance of taking risks. In various aspects of life, whether it's forming new connections, facing a large audience while giving a keynote speech, embarking on a hiking adventure, or investing in a business

Starting point is 00:10:02 venture, there is an inherent level of risk involved. However, when approached with careful planning and consideration, risk-taking can be a positive and transformative force. Indeed, risk-taking has been the catalyst behind groundbreaking innovations, remarkable entrepreneurial achievements, and life-altering experiences. In her book, The Art of Risk, The New Science of Courage, Hoshin, and Chance, had Sookal emphasizes that risk-taking is an integral part of the brain's learning system. It is there to push unboundaries and help us to learn and to adapt. Sticking with the status quo does us no favors. Risk offers us potential.

Starting point is 00:10:39 A type of potential that can help us grow, explore, and respond to the world around us. Risk takers tend to have more developed neural networks, even from a biological perspective. This was unveiled in research undertaken by the University of Turkey in Finland under the direction of Sentef, one of Europe's largest independent research organizations. Where scientists discovered a distinction in white matter, the intricate neural network responsible for effectively processing and relaying information within the brain, between individuals categorized as high-risk takers and those deemed low-risk takers.

Starting point is 00:11:14 The group classified as high-risk takers exhibited notably greater levels of white matter within their brains. A phenomenon associated with greater intelligence compared to risk-adverse ones, engaging in well-considered risk-taking allows us to understand our capabilities better and ultimately unlock our full potential. The question then becomes, why do we avoid taking risks? As humans, our innate nature compels us to embrace risks as a means of personal growth. During our early years as toddlers, we feralously took risks, learning to walk, persistently standing and falling, until we begin to walk and eventually run.

Starting point is 00:11:52 Our curiosity drove us to explore any items that we found laying around, and we constantly tried out new things. However, as we progress into adulthood, we often withdraw from endeavors at foster continued growth. This transition from a proactive risk-taking attitude, who were more cautious risk-adverse stance, was illuminated by a study conducted by neuroscientist at Duke University. A study titled Neurocognitive Development of Risk aversion from Early Childhood to adulthood, who generally exhibit lower risk of version compared to adults,

Starting point is 00:12:25 display reduced activation in the ventral media, prefrontal cortex, and ventral striatum, which are brain regions associated with cautious decision making under risk. As they mature, the brain regions undergo further development and better activation, decreasing their inclination towards risk. However, as adults who comprehend risk as a factor for continued growth, we may still refrain from taking risks. Spute to two primary reasons. Fear and comfort.

Starting point is 00:12:53 Fear serves a crucial purpose in our lives by keeping us rational and cautious. Its presence allows us to understand the risks that are associated with certain ventures. Without fear, we might unnecessarily take dangerous risks, a couldly, to severely unfavorable outcomes. However, fear can become problematic when it hinders our growth. This type of fear is often fueled and intensified by factors like pessimism and overthinking, allowing it to hold us back from taking necessary steps that can impede our progress. While it's normal to experience

Starting point is 00:13:25 fear while venturing into the unknown, facing those fears head on is essential for reaching our full potential. By acknowledging fears role and pushing ourselves beyond its confines, we embark on a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery. For more information on this, listen to my solo episode 130 on how to stop living in fear and letting it control you. Now, the second thing we're going to discuss is comfort. As humans, our instinct is to avoid risks as a way of self-preservation. However, this risk-adverse behavior can make us overly comfortable in our current circumstances,

Starting point is 00:13:59 hindering us from pursuing more meaningful opportunities. The inclination to remain in our comfort zones is a common trait that's found in everyone as Curled Weck discovered in her research. Still, to make progress in life, we must intentionally step beyond these boundaries, as I discussed in episode 72, as the saying goes, a rolling stone gathers no moss, employing that continuous movement and taking calculated risks and lead growth and success. On the other hand, remaining stagnant and causes us to accumulate moss or stagnation, causing us to place small in our life and preventing us from reaching our

Starting point is 00:14:35 full potential. By challenging ourselves and intentionally seeking new opportunities, we can break free from the confines of our comfort zones, so let us be deliberate about taking the steps towards growth and avoiding complacency in our journeys of progress. So now we're going to go into the most critical aspect of this episode, which are different steps that I have found helped me and I hope will help you achieve effective risk-taking. As I previously emphasized, taking risks requires careful consideration, as well as a strategic approach. Mitigate the likelihood of negative outcomes and enhance the chances of positive results.

Starting point is 00:15:13 I recommend implementing following practical measures. First, is to clarify your intentions. Clarifying your intentions is a foundational step in the art of intentional risk-taking. It involves delving into the depths of your desires and motivations, and understanding the why behind the risk that you are contemplating. By clearly understanding your intentions, you can discern whether the risk is driven by genuine, action, and purpose or influenced by external pressure and fleeting impulses,

Starting point is 00:15:42 reflecting on your intentions, enables you to cultivate self-awareness, and make decisions that align with your authentic self. Consider how the potential risk resonates with your core values, and how it harmonizes with your long-term aspirations. When your intentions align with your core values, you create such a powerful synergy that propels you forward with meaning and fulfillment. Understanding the deep purpose behind the risk empowers you to approach it with a focused and determined mindset. It becomes more than just a leap into the unknown.

Starting point is 00:16:14 It becomes a strategic leap towards personal growth and self-actualization. The second step is to reflect on your priorities before venturing into risk-taking. Examine the core values, beliefs, and long-term goals that define your sense of purpose and guide your life's trajectory. By delving in to what truly matters to you, you gain clarity on the essence of your being and what you aspire to achieve. This self-reflection acts as a guiding compass when you're considering potential risks. It enables you to align your actions with your authentic self, ensuring that any risk

Starting point is 00:16:49 that you undertake contributes, meaningfully, to your vision of a fulfilling life. By discerning the impact of the risk and your overarching life vision, you can make well-informed decisions that resonate deeply with your values. Intentional risk-taking is about more than seeking novelty or thrill. It becomes an intentional act of self-investment, having the way towards your personal growth and fulfillment. Each risk becomes an opportunity to move closer to the life that you envision, fostering a sense of purpose and direction in your journey.

Starting point is 00:17:20 The third step in effective risk- taking is to assess the risks. Assessing risks with a deeper understanding of their purpose elevates the decision making process for profound level of consciousness. You can begin by creating a list, detailing the pros and cons of the risk that you're contemplating, carefully evaluating what aspects outweigh others. While the outcome of a risk remains uncertain, inducting a thorough analysis and help you reduce the potential for failure, this evaluation process is not merely about calculating possibilities. It encompasses how the risk aligns with your personal growth and self-realization journey. As you assess the risk through those lens, you delve into the underlying motivation that's

Starting point is 00:18:02 driving your choices. You scrutinize whether the risk holds the potential to stretch your limits, challenge your beliefs, and propel you out of your comfort zone. This introspective analysis allows you to gauge the alignment of the risk with your long-term aspirations and values. You become attuned to the transformative power of stepping into the unknown, understanding that growth often emerges from moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. The fourth step is that you have to have a support system. When it comes to risk taking, you can't make all the best decisions all by yourself.

Starting point is 00:18:35 You will need the help and support of like-minded people who understand your intention to take calculated risks. This set of people can guide you and offer insights that will help protect you from taking unnecessary risks and maximize your chances of success in your risky endeavors. Make sure you don't shy away from taking their advice and perspectives on the actions that you intend to take. That way, even if things don't turn out the way that you had hoped, they will provide you with the needed fortitude as well as the emotional backing to keep your head high and sustain your determination on your growth path. The fifth step is to practice self-care in compassion. It is so important to celebrate

Starting point is 00:19:14 your victories no matter how small they may appear, similarly avoid being too hard on yourself when certain risks don't yield desired outcomes. It's essential to understand that the only aspect within your control is the choices that you make on a daily basis. While you can give your best effort, the ultimate results may be influenced by factors beyond your control, thus be gentle with yourself and refrain from being overly critical. Become your own greatest supporter, acknowledging the courage that it takes to embrace risks and continue to move forward with resilience and positivity. The sixth step is to learn from failure and disappointment.

Starting point is 00:19:50 Haking risk inherently involves encountering obstacles and the possibility of failure. However, how you perceive and respond to failure is subjective. You can opt to extract valuable insights from these experiences, empowering you to make better decisions in the future, or choose to dwell on the pain of failure, which will lead to only lingering regrets. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, channel your energy into moving forward and seizing new possibilities.

Starting point is 00:20:19 Embrace the mindset of continuous growth and remain open to taking healthy risks to achieve your goals. Remember that the path ahead is filled with potential, and the lessons that you learn from failures can guide you towards greater success and fulfillment. In conclusion, Mark Zuckerberg wisely said, the biggest risk is not taking any risk in a world that's changing quickly. The only strategy that's guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. The message here is clear.

Starting point is 00:20:50 Life is filled with uncertainties. And embracing risks is essential for progress and success. By embracing risks, we unlock the gateway to personal growth and achievement. While immediate success may not always follow, each risk that we take propels us closer to our goals, shapes our character and enriches our life experiences. True success lies not only in the outcome, but in the transformative journey where we conquer

Starting point is 00:21:16 hurdles, face challenges, and learn valuable lessons along the way. Now is the time to seize the moment and take action. Don't allow fears to overpower your motivation. Embrace the learning process and remember that every experience, be it a triumph or a setback contributes to your growth. This episode's guidance encourages prudent risk taking, stepping out of your comfort zone

Starting point is 00:21:40 and seizing the opportunities that come your way. As you take these brave steps, you'll discover new horizons, seize untapped opportunities, and create a life that aligns with your wild aspirations and dreams. So let courage and purpose be your guides as you embark on the exhilarating journey of embracing risks and shaping a future that is truly your own. I hope you all enjoyed the show and I wanted to thank everyone this week who wrote in and especially those who listened. Links to the transcript for today's episode will be in the show notes.

Starting point is 00:22:14 Videos are on YouTube at both John Armiles and PassionStruck Clips. I also have some exciting news that my new book, PassionStruck, is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Links will be in the show notes. As I mentioned at the beginning, we are now on syndicated radio in the Brushwood Media Network. Links will be in the show notes. Advertiser deals and discount codes are in one convenient place, both in the show notes, and at passionstruck.com slash deals. You can find me on Twitter, where you can sign up for my newsletter, or you can catch me at John Armiles on all the other social platforms. You're about to hear a preview of the Passion Start podcast I did with Rebecca Rosen,

Starting point is 00:22:46 who is a psychic medium in the author of the brand new book What Is Heaven. Rebecca serves as a mediator between two realms, the physical world which entails everyday problems, and the spiritual world where she has gained incredible insight that every individual is born with the unique mission, and it is our responsibility to fulfill it in this Earth school. You're making choices in the frequency of shadow, in ego, you're disconnected. And it's a very limited place, it's a very fear-based place. And that's what creates our depression, our struggle, our frustration, our anxiety. And that is a definition of a living hell.

Starting point is 00:23:22 But it doesn't have to be that way. It's not supposed to be that way. When you plug in every day to your higher self, to your team and spirit, to your source, whatever you call it, and it becomes a collaboration or a co-creation with this divine energy, you then show up and connect into those frequencies of light. And you make choices from light,

Starting point is 00:23:43 which is that aligned place, the place that connects to love and compassion. Remember that we rise by lifting others, so share the show with those that you love and care about. And if you found today's episode on the necessity of risk taking useful, please share it with somebody you could use the advice that I gave on today's show. In the meantime, do your best to apply what you hear on the show so that you can live what you listen. Until next time, go out there and become Ash and Strong.

Starting point is 00:24:17 you

Passion Struck with John R. Miles - The Six Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth w/ John R. Miles EP 331

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