A Lesson In Risk Taking

Many people are paralyzed by the fear of failing. Not only do they have pressure placed on them by others, some people carry an unbearable amount of weight on their own. It’s very difficult to be a risk-taker with all of that swirling around in your head. Sometimes, being placed in a pressurized situation can force you out of your comfort zone. I thought of one moment that left an impression on me so deeply that I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

FEBRUARY 1989 FLASHBACK

It was February 1989. I was a junior in high school and Paula Abdul’s song “Straight Up” was number one on the radio. Our basketball team was also pretty good. I was a starter along with another junior and three seniors.

What came next was our “Hoosiers” moment. Heading deep into the playoffs, we found ourselves one game away from the state championship and playing the number one ranked school in our division.

For most of the four quarters, the game went back-and-forth trading leads. With the clock under twenty-five seconds to go in the game, I met the other team’s point guard at half court as he was dribbling the ball up the floor. I noticed he was directing his team and calling a play for one final shot. The game was tied and I saw my opportunity.

I couldn't believe that he wasn't protecting his dribble while he orchestrated his teammates to line up. So, I stuck my hand in and batted the ball toward someone on my team. As seconds on the clock were ticking down, I took off toward our basket and my teammate made a successful pass over the defender. There was no time to think, only time to react. Afraid of being blocked by the point guard right behind me, I put the ball high on the backboard for a layup. Not knowing if the shot would go in, I held my excitement until the crowd roared. I made the winning basket!

But it was never about the game-winning shot. The decision to take a swipe at the ball could’ve easily resulted in a foul and two free throws for the other team to potentially win the game. In a split second, I accepted the risk and then acted. Fortunately, it worked out. The next week, we traveled to the state championship game and won.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Risks in your life come in all different shapes and sizes. Stop overthinking and worrying about what other people will say if you fail. Sometimes you just have to let your instincts kick in and take a swipe at the next idea or opportunity…and really go for it!

After spending 25+ years working at some really great radio stations, Todd launched a coaching and consulting business, Beyond615.com, on March 15, 2021. There he strives to help others build confidence so that they can connect on a deeper level. He also serves as the Contemporary Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.