To start an adventure is to embark into the unknown. Most of the time, it is impossible to decipher the outcome of your action. The risk and uncertainty involved may scare you but these are also the same factors that make an adventure fun and exciting. If you are willing to go through something without knowing what lies ahead, you are taking a step towards discovering your life’s purpose.
Sometimes you just want to rely on your instinct and leave everything to fate. However, this does not mean that you have to plunge into every adventure that comes your way. An adventurous spirit may require bravery and ardor but no one said that you have to do it without carefully weighing the pros and cons. Here are three questions to ask yourself to wisely assess if an adventure is worth taking.
Are you truly prepared?
Every great adventure starts with thorough planning and preparation. Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Some adventures, such as moving to a new country or starting a business, can be life-changing. These ventures can be the way to fulfill your dreams, but will require you to work doubly hard or stretch your strength to the limit. So before taking a leap to an uncertain journey, take your time and and think if you are mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for it. Your financial status is likewise an important aspect to consider.
Are the benefits greater than the risks?
It is unlikely that you want to go on an adventure without a purpose. An adventure becomes a worthy pursuit because of it.The benefits that you believe you will gain from it can help you decide if you should entertain or abandon your plans. Setting your sights on the rewards that will come after a successful adventure can inspire and motivate you.
On the other hand, the possibility of failing remains no matter how much preparation you do. So your focus should not solely be on the rewards. Make sure that you are also aware of the things you can lose before deciding on an adventure. At the end of the day, seeing that an action offers benefits that far outweigh the risks can give you confidence to take a bold step towards an adventure.
Can you bear the possible consequences?
If you are aware of all the possible risks of a decision you will make, you also get to ponder if you are ready for it. Can you picture the worst case scenario and imagine its effect on you? A backup plan will be like a cushion that will soften the blow of failures. So you should also prepare a contingency plan in case an idea does not work. If just the thought of all the possible negative outcomes look unbearable, the adventure may not be a good idea after all. Consider your lifestyle and personality to determine the impact of being in particular situation.
Adventures are like doors that lead to either a pleasant or terrifying destination. Opening either door can teach you invaluable life lessons. ut wouldn’t it be better if you managed to open the correct door with less tries? Taking some time for self-reflection can greatly minimize the risks and increase your chance to succeed. Always remember to seize every opportunity for adventures with a realistic mindset and wide-open eyes.
