"The journey is to find your truth and really know who you are."
- Danica Patrick
Understanding what it takes to become a calculated risk taker 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.
At the foundation, it takes a vision of what you hope to accomplish. Next, you need to create a Mission Statement to put your vision into action. It’s the daily expectations that allow you to motivate, build confidence, practice with intensity, and perform with passion. Lastly, it’s important to identify your values.
Values are what keep you grounded on what matters the most to you!
Keys to Develop Your Values:
1. Values are things you already live by. Take a moment to think about who you are and what you do, like how you like to treat and be treated by others. Then, think about people you admire and what you admire about them. Lastly, identify the things you don’t like to do.
2. Write down your story. First, think about why you decided to become an athlete. Second, think about the journey and how it has gotten you to this current moment in time. This includes the challenges, failures, and successes you experienced along the way. It’s in these moments that you find your moral compass.
3. Ask others to define who you are. Ask friends, family, coaches, and teammates how they define you.
4. Narrow it down. Identify themes and narrow down your values to your top 7-8.
5. Define those values in your own words, i.e., Integrity, I do what I say and say what I do.
6. Troubleshoot, find and be aware of areas in your life where you actions don’t match your values, and figure out ways to change.
7. Revisit and revise. Along the way, you will chip away at your goals and expectations. Recognize that they will change over time, so don’t forget to update your vision, mission, and values.
In the end, your vision, mission, and values define who you are, guide you toward your goals, and keep you grounded.
We hope you enjoyed this series on calculated risk taking.