Several successful women have spoken out recently to encourage more and more girls and women to face their fears and take risks.

According to stereotypes, women avoid taking risks both at work and in their personal lives. And that may stem from the way we’ve been brought up rather than the myth that we’re born risk-averse.

Especially in the field of work, many times the CEO is a man and the one who will be called upon to make the most decisions for a company.

However, the fact that we don’t often take risks or avoid them can hurt us in the long run. Here are 7 things that are good to remember whenever you think about or are ready to take a risk.

Great (unforeseen) opportunities often come from taking risks
We often see risk as a disadvantage, as bad, even as dangerous or stupid. Although many times the risk may not bring positive results, it is good to remember that there are also times when it can be in our favor. If you fear risk, you can try reframing risk in your mind as an opportunity for success rather than a path to failure or doubt. You never know what’s going to pop up once you take a risk.

It shows confidence and helps you stand out

In a team you rarely see everyone motivated to take risks. Those who do are sure to turn heads. They show that they can make decisions but also position themselves as a leader rather than a follower. Of course, it is important to take a risk after you have studied the data so that you are even more confident of its effectiveness.

It offers life lessons that lead us to new paths

Of course risk may not always work in our favor. However, this particular mistake does not have to be synonymous with failure. It also enables us to learn more for the next time we find ourselves in a similar situation. At the same time, risk teaches us things about our personal development. When you see that your risk has paid off, you realize that you are stronger than you thought, as a result of which you set your goal higher every time.

Success doesn’t fall into your lap but you have to pursue it

Most people know that success is not something that is meant to be. It takes a lot of work and sweat to achieve what you set out to do. Even when you set a goal and pursue success, you take a risk. You sacrifice certain things and choose to explore the unknown in order to achieve what you want and dream of.

To achieve your dreams you have to get out of your comfort zone

Many times the world outside our self-protection zone seems huge and scary. We may be afraid to attempt an interview or take the promotion we’ve been offered. However, if you don’t try to get out of your water and try something more challenging, the chances of reaching your dreams are limited.

It helps you overcome the fear of failure

Fear of failure prevails most of the time. According to Arianna Huffington, the fear of failure is the biggest obstacle on the road to success that most people, especially us women, have to overcome. However, he argues that failure is not the end of the road to success. Instead, it’s just the beginning. Certainly, a failure can give you a lot of knowledge about what you can do differently next time.

When you take a risk it doesn’t mean you do it by accident

Although taking a risk seems like a spur-of-the-moment decision, it really isn’t. In reality, you are not called upon to make a decision overnight especially when the situation is complicated. For this reason, when called upon to take a risk it is good to be able to see the advantages and disadvantages of your choice. By seeing the big picture, you can make a realistic decision and feel more confident about your choice.