R is for Risky- Why We Need Risky Goals

Did you know that the “R” in SMART goals can sometimes be defined as “Risky?”

To be honest, I wasn’t a big fan when I first heard this.

I love goal setting and have used the SMART framework for inspiration for a while now. Making goals is great! Let’s all make good goals and work towards achieving them. I’m all in.

But this? Risky goals?

I don’t think of myself as a risk taker. I like to wear comfy PJs and I’m kinda scared of heights. Risky goals just seemed a bit… much, don’t you think?

But the more I thought about the new term the more it grew on me.

You see, being a comfort and safety loving individual, it can sometimes take a lot to get me to learn new things.

Now I’m not saying we should be foolish.

Risky doesn’t need to mean stupid- but it does involve challenging ourselves and going beyond what may feel comfortable.

What Is Risky?

Risky is defined as “involving the possibility of something bad happening.” Risky goals don’t need to involve putting ourselves in harm’s way (please don’t!) but in some way they put us in danger of being out of our comfort zone.

Risky goals are goals that aren’t easy and won’t happen by accident. They push us to achieve bold dreams and maybe more than we think is possible.

Why Risky Goals Matter

Taking risks mean we’re trying.

It means we’re not letting fear of failure cripple us so that we stay wrapped in our safety blankets of the familiar.

Taking risks mean we care enough about what we want to go for it even when it’s not easy.

Challenging ourselves and upping the stakes gives us motivation to push ourselves to work hard and maybe get to places we haven’t gone before.

After all, how many of our biggest successes came from doing things the “safe” or the usual way or just doing what was easy?

Big dreams require risk.

If we want to accomplish great things we need to take a deep breath and claim those dreams. To reach out and start climbing even if we don’t know exactly what comes next.

To quote the immortal Ms. Frizzle, we need to “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”

I want us to achieve great goals and to live lives that are bold and free! Let’s take chances, dream big, and go for it together.

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Let’s make some risky goals this year and gear up for some great adventures! Do you tend to fall on the risk taking side of things or more on the safe side? Do you have any risky goals in place for the year ahead?