Taking risks in a career is a difficult decision. We have to overcome our inner resistance.
There are several hurdles inside ourselves resiting from taking any risk.
The first hurdle is ego. When we have a strong desire for a perfect self, we tend to play safe. We try to avoid taking risks that might reveal that we could fail, be wrong, or be incapable of doing certain things.
The second hurdle is the disappointing experience. The past bad experiences can prevent us from trying something new. [Psychology Experiment] In 1965, Martin Seligman and his colleagues experimented with how animals or humans associate one thing with another. They would ring a bell and then give a light shock to a dog. After several times, the dog reacted to the shock as soon as it heard the bell, even before it happened. Seligman put each dog into a large crate that was divided down the middle with a low fence. The dog could see and jump over the fence if necessary. The floor on one side of the fence was electrified but not on the other side. Seligman put the dog on the electrified side and administered a light shock. The dogs didn't jump after the light shock. It was as though they'd learned from the first part of the experiment that there was nothing they could do to avoid the shock. However, a dog not participating in the experiment's first part will jump the fence to escape the shock. Seligman described the condition as learned helplessness, or not trying to get out of a negative situation because the past has taught you that you are helpless.
The third hurdle is fear. Can we afford the failures, and how much does that impact our life?
There are several ways to overcome the hurdles.
First, we can adopt the "growth mindset," which affirms that we can grow through learning and experiences. Second, we can use problem-solving techniques to try all viable problem-solving options. When hesitation comes from a high stake choice, we can evaluate the risks, choose a moderate option or create a risk migration plan. Last but not least, Selecting a career mission bigger than ourselves makes our personal failures and setbacks less of a concern.
Throughout your career, you will face many opportunities with risks. I hope the suggestion can help you to make a brave yet wise decision.
There are several hurdles inside ourselves resiting from taking any risk.
The first hurdle is ego. When we have a strong desire for a perfect self, we tend to play safe. We try to avoid taking risks that might reveal that we could fail, be wrong, or be incapable of doing certain things.
The second hurdle is the disappointing experience. The past bad experiences can prevent us from trying something new. [Psychology Experiment] In 1965, Martin Seligman and his colleagues experimented with how animals or humans associate one thing with another. They would ring a bell and then give a light shock to a dog. After several times, the dog reacted to the shock as soon as it heard the bell, even before it happened. Seligman put each dog into a large crate that was divided down the middle with a low fence. The dog could see and jump over the fence if necessary. The floor on one side of the fence was electrified but not on the other side. Seligman put the dog on the electrified side and administered a light shock. The dogs didn't jump after the light shock. It was as though they'd learned from the first part of the experiment that there was nothing they could do to avoid the shock. However, a dog not participating in the experiment's first part will jump the fence to escape the shock. Seligman described the condition as learned helplessness, or not trying to get out of a negative situation because the past has taught you that you are helpless.
The third hurdle is fear. Can we afford the failures, and how much does that impact our life?
There are several ways to overcome the hurdles.
First, we can adopt the "growth mindset," which affirms that we can grow through learning and experiences. Second, we can use problem-solving techniques to try all viable problem-solving options. When hesitation comes from a high stake choice, we can evaluate the risks, choose a moderate option or create a risk migration plan. Last but not least, Selecting a career mission bigger than ourselves makes our personal failures and setbacks less of a concern.
Throughout your career, you will face many opportunities with risks. I hope the suggestion can help you to make a brave yet wise decision.
Reference
Learned Helplessness | Myasthenia Gravis. https://myastheniagravisladycas.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/learned-helplessness-2/ Because of learned helplessness, we could miss the opportunity to escape from previous traps.
Learned Helplessness | Myasthenia Gravis. https://myastheniagravisladycas.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/learned-helplessness-2/ Because of learned helplessness, we could miss the opportunity to escape from previous traps.