“Don’t be scared, just jump in!” said the swimming instructor to my 6 year old daughter, who nervously wrung her hands, her lip quivering. Hmmm…these words haven’t quite accomplished the magic that her teacher has hoped for this past week. The last week has been full of early morning lessons, lots of tears (my daughter’s that is), and lots of hugs. It’s been a different kind of week around my house, to say the least.

Some types of personalities don’t tend toward taking risks, or just “jumping into the pool”. You probably know if this is you. You like to play it safe, even down to ordering the same tasty entrée off the menu at your favorite restaurant each time you go. There is some genetic contribution to this –so thank your mom and dad! But,  if you are wanting to open yourself up to taking some risks, be encouraged to know that there are some aspects of this that are within your control. Often we create our own barriers to risk taking—letting certain fears or “what if’s” crowd out our desires and goals. We might hold on to our need for security and predictability or hold the belief that change is impossible, when the truth is that change just requires some openness to the unknown and a willingness to stumble along the way.


Many clients I see are working towards taking risks—for example, learning how to say “no” to being over committed, attempting to end a destructive relationship, or even making a career change in mid life. This type of work involves small, intentional steps towards these goals. Here are some things to keep in mind as you think about what “jumping into the pool” means in your life.

  • Identify what risks you are desiring to take and start small—practice taking smaller risks before you move on to larger risks. Identifying your desires and goals takes time and patience—so be gentle with yourself.

  • Evaluate the pros and cons of the risk you desire to take—doing this often reveals that the only thing getting in the way of going for it are fears rather than facts.

  • Support—a small circle of close friends and family who know about your efforts can encourage you as well as ensure that the risks you are attempting are healthy and responsible.

  • Challenge any fear based thoughts that arise in you when you begin to go for it. These thoughts lead to feelings which can hold us back from continuing something that feels new, even if it is a positive change.

For more information on behavioral health issues, or to seek assistance, go to www.pinerest.org