"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T. S. Eliot
To be a risk taker doesn’t mean you just go into something blind and go for it, like surfing big waves when you don’t know how to surf. It’s about taking calculated risks.
Calculated risk taking is a skill that needs to be developed. It’s the idea of challenging yourself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable because with risk there is always a chance that you will experience success or failure.
Tips for becoming a calculated risk taker:
1. Commitment: it takes practice to improve your odds at risk taking. Start by taking risks in practice, so that you can then apply it in competition.
2. Failure is part of the process: in the beginning you are likely to experience more failure than success. The knowledge you gain from those experiences will pay off.
3. Approach with a mindset of being challenged by failure: that way, you can problem solve vs take it personally.
4. Reward Analysis: the more you challenge yourself and take risks, the more you learn your personal percentages for success. It’s the idea of risk vs reward. Learning when it’s best to take risks vs just playing your game.
5. Solid foundation of technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills are important for risk taking. Work with your coaches to create a plan for practicing risk taking and to develop the necessary skills.