What a businessman and a basejumper have in common

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

In order to build a successful career or big business, it is sometimes necessary to take risks. And some businessmen perceive the inevitable risks as high stakes in poker or jumping off a cliff. Indeed, entrepreneurs and people for whom risk is part of their professional activities have a lot in common.

Riskers are more nerds than superheroes

You probably think that base jumpers - people who jump from high-rise buildings or cliffs with a parachute - are just crazy heads-up, risking their lives every day. If so, you are missing a few important points. They don't just take risks - they carefully study every detail, prepare diligently and think over all possible options and situations.

It doesn't happen that a person just walks down the street and says, "Hey, I guess today I should jump off the plane" or "Today I should go to Afghanistan." In fact, you have to seriously plan, prepare for everything and know a lot in order to find a way out of any situation.

The better you know the situation, problems and tasks, the more likely you are to achieve success, because you are ready for anything.

The ability to take risks is a process, not a character trait

The idea that people at risk are impulsive and reckless is just a stereotype. In fact, they are excellent organizers. First, they outline specific steps that will help them achieve their goals. Such people do not rely entirely on luck and do not gamble on their lives and livelihoods without preparation.

Extremists succeed because countless times they have risked the little things and achieved little success. They are process oriented, they test their skills, they take different approaches, thereby gradually moving towards the achievement of the main long-term goal.

Stephanie Davis, an accomplished base jumper, notes that few see the work behind her every ascent. It took her two summers to prepare to climb Mount El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

We see on YouTube or in movies people waking up in the morning and deciding to jump off a cliff. But it’s not that simple. We need equipment and outfit. You need to practice constantly. You need to constantly learn. Stephanie Davis

Mistakes happen

Learning to take risks requires not only practice and luck, but also a correct attitude towards mistakes. No need to reproach yourself for a wrong decision, no need to try to correct a mistake, you just need to let it go. Kayt Sukel, a journalist and author of "", recalls one extreme told her, "I'm not mistaken. I just haven't done it yet. " This conviction was a revelation to her.

How often in my life have I said: “I ruined everything. I'm exhausted. " What if, instead, I said, “You know what, I just haven't finished it all yet. I have to try again. You need to fall seven times to stay on the eighth. " I think we've given up on our long-term goals too many times because we reacted too emotionally to failure. They should be taken as lessons that can teach us something. Kite Sukel

Taking risks is neither good nor bad

You may think that you are not inclined to take risks and this is not about you. But you are wrong. Everyone takes some risks. Even if you try not to take risks, you risk not getting any benefits.

Of course, no one likes to be wrong and to be in the lowest positions. But accepting small setbacks can help you avoid bigger ones.

I often think of scientific research methods that work well. With their help, you get answers to questions, move forward, develop. But the biggest part of scientific work is accepting that the results are not always what you expect. Kite Sukel