Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Christine Salazar | Model & Makeup Artist

If you think about it everything you do in life is a risk. You are always going to be taking chances in life, the real question should be why take the risk. The answer is because it make’s me happy. I am a firm believer of following your passion no matter what you do. When you follow your passion you will succeed. Read more>>

Trustwho | Recording Artist, Producer, Brand Ambassador

With all the struggles surrounding the climate of today’s society, risks are a common factor amongst all in business and in life. If seen from the correct perception any all risks will drive you to perform at a certain level, most of the time higher than the rest. Without risks my drive would never be tested. Read more>>

Chad Thackston | Private Eye Drain Inspection

When it comes to risk, I have always been fairly averse to it. I like to go into situations knowing everything I possibly can. If it seems as though there are too many unknowns, I tend to play things safe. That has sometimes been to my benefit, but it has mostly left a certain lack of fulfillment. There’s a reason the saying “with great risk comes great reward”–or something to that effect–exists. Taking risks are really the only ways to move forward. That said, the risks I have taken have oftentimes paid off in a very beneficial way. And I am glad that I mustered up the courage to power through them. Some of my riskiest ventures have led to the greatest relationships, both personal and professional. Read more>>

Erin King | Educator, Blogger, Podcaster

I try to take risks as often as I can, but it does not mean I am reckless. As an entrepreneur and educator, part of my strategy that has brought success is knowing when to take a risk and be comfortable with learning from it, whether there is success or failure. Taking an educated risk means you are aware of the risks if you take specific action, you have thought out the consequences or possibilities for success ahead of time, and you have already thought out the different scenarios to minimize the risks. In other words, you are not just trying something to see if it works or not. It is thought out—planned. Read more>>