Fellow Creator-

This Creative Pop is for you!

Flex your risk muscle. Everyone has one and you keep it in shape by trying NEW things. If you don't it atrophies and you're no longer able to take chances.

How can you excersize your risk muscle today?

It can be as simple as trying a new recipe,investing in a new idea or tackling a problem outside your field of expertise.

While the world around us sets comfort as the ultimate goal, whether it's buying a 'luxury' automobile, or a 'comfortable' home, we must resist the pull and tug of an exsistence built solely on what brings us 'comfort'.

Growth is a by-product of change and change occurs ONLY when we take a risk. Stepping out of our normal pattern of living is risky. If we set our sights on building something new and exciting, we risk.

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"- Frank Scully

You will never become a creative person, brimming with new ideas and projects until you face risk head-on. With the risk muscle there is always a 'fear bone'. The sign that you are taking a risk is the movement of this bone, and it can be very uncomfortable at first. When you feel a certain fear, large or small, it means that you have an opportunity to risk. If you accept that invitation you will grow and a new ability will be found in you.

Even if you fail in the new risk you've undertaken, a lesson and new growth will always occur. Frankly, failure is not an option when you take a risk. It is a benefit to you. Even if you were to 'risk' some money on a poor investment, for instance, the value of this failure and loss can inform you for future gains.

"A ship in harbor is safe---but that is not what ships are for." --John A. Shedd

When I started to study photography I was deathly afraid to shoot a session with a trained model. I would say to myself, "you're not ready", "what if you make a fool of yourself?", "your reputation will be ruined","you won't be able to direct her" "study more", "you don't have the right lighting equipment" and on and on.

I didn't want to risk being a failure in a professional setting. But, until I overcame that fear and decided to risk my understanding of photography and working with a live model, how could I get better? I had to sail my ship to test its sea worthiness.

Not all the photos came out as planned, they never do. I was able, however, to learn from each 'mistake' and my ability as a photogrpaher grew.

"You can't confront risk with moral resources. It's a fact that only a soul tested in the fire of decision can find his compass and make his headway".---Victor K. Pryles

Take some time out this week and flex your risk muscle. Make a plan to confront an issue that has you a tiny bit afraid you can't do it.

It may be having a conversation with your boss or a mate. It could be tuning up your car engine or cooking a special dinner. Dig down and make yourself a challenge, then risk failure.

Think about small, medium and huge risks. Start with the first. No need to scare yourself to death. Then move up the ladder to try new and more dangerous things. With each attempt you will grow stronger adn more capable.

Victor K. Pryles
Author Of "The Secret Creator Within"
http://www.creativepops.com