Why It's Important to Take Risks
56 Ways to Be a Risk Taker Today
Everyone gets overwhelmed with the idea of taking a big risk, but putting yourself out there is actually a good thing. Instead of letting the daily grind get to you, mix things up and do something different today. And it's not like you have to do anything super daring — just challenging yourself to be a bit bold might open your eyes to new possibilities and opportunities. Because life should be a great adventure that brings something new every day, right?
- Say yes!: Even when you're leaning toward declining an invitation or request, challenge yourself to accept. You might find yourself trying something new or learning an exciting skill.
- Take public transit if you usually drive: Switch up your daily commute and take public transit, walk, or bike to work. It's a great way to switch up your day and see things from a different perspective.
- Talk to someone you don't know: Stop hiding behind your phone and make small chat in the elevator or while waiting in line.
- Let someone pick your meal for you: The next time you're at your favorite lunch spot or cafe, take the waiter's suggestion for your meal.
- Write a letter and mail it: Instead of calling or texting, write a letter, and mail it to someone special. This might include a trip to the post office for stamps, which adds extra adventure.
- Wake up early and watch the sunrise: Set your alarm and bask in the glory of the sunrise, starting your day in a sunny way. Use the extra time to do something just for yourself.
- Cook instead of ordering takeout: Even if you're not culinarily inclined, try cooking your own dinner and see what flavors you can create.
- Be a secret superhero: It might seem a bit silly, but fabricating a secret superhero personality encourages you to look at your daily life in a different way. Would Super Green Tea Girl let her co-worker walk all over her or would she use her natural antioxidant powers to stand up for herself?
- Make a wish list: Take a few minutes to make a wish list, including everything you would do if you had all the time and money in the world. Now make something on that list happen.
- Sign up for a class: If you've been dreaming of learning a foreign language or learning how to artfully throw pottery, sign up for a class at your local community college.
- Visit a local tourist spot: Pretend you're visiting from out of town and head to your local tourist spot. Make sure to take lots of pictures and a few selfies to share with your friends.
- Go skinny-dipping: Don't be shy — find the perfect spot to do a bit of skinny-dipping and dive in! Or if you're not up for the challenge, take a bath instead of a shower.
- Karaoke: Along with being fun, heading out for a night of karaoke is a great way to push your adventurous side to really shine.
- See a local band or comic: Search for a local show in your community and head out for a night of entertainment instead of sitting on your couch.
- Buy something you normally wouldn't: If you're usually a neutral-color kind of gal, buy yourself a chevron- or flower-print shirt and wear it.
- Take a different route home: Your commute can get pretty routine, so switch things up and take a different route home. Even if it takes a little longer, you will get a different view of your surroundings.
- Watch a scary movie: Dare yourself to watch that movie you've always been too afraid to watch. Invite a friend over to hold onto.
- Venture one hour from your home: Head north, south, east, or west for two hours and see where you end up.
- Make a date to do something daring: Sign up for surfing lessons or make a date to go skydiving.
- Book a big trip: If Italy is your dream vacation, look into the destinations you would like to visit, along with scoping out hotels. Save all the information and book the trip.
- Tell a secret: Trust a friend and tell them something no one knows about you.
- Wear bold lipstick: Pick the right hue of red lipstick and wear it all day long.
- Draw a picture: Challenge yourself to draw something in front of you. Along with honing your concentration skills, doing a bit of doodling encourages your creative-thinking skills.
- Volunteer: Head to your local pet shelter or soup kitchen and offer a few hours of your time.
- Train for a marathon: Even if you're not planning on running in a marathon anytime soon, pretend you're prepping for that 5k and start running today.
- Join Toastmasters: Never give an awkward toast again and join Toastmasters. You'll hone your communication skills and maybe make some new friends.
- Do a DIY: You don't need to be crafty to make homemade gifts and chic decor. And you probably have items in your own home for creating cute DIYs.
- Say hi to people on the street: Make eye contact and offer a few hellos while walking at the office or on the street.
- Join a bowling league with your friends: Gather a group together, come up with a name, and sign yourselves up to be the next team to beat. Even if you're tossing gutter balls, it will be so much fun.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors: Head on over and knock on some doors. You don't have to make new besties, but knowing your neighbors is a smart way to make connections — and keep your space safe.
- Host a themed party: Invite your friends over for a night filled with themed fun. It will be a party everyone will remember!
- Go to a movie alone: That totally sappy movie that you really want to see, but your boyfriend doesn't? Go by yourself and make sure to get a large popcorn, too.
- Write a love letter to yourself: Write down 10 things you love about yourself and tuck it in your wallet. That way you'll always be able to remind yourself how awesome you are.
- Turn off the TV: Get off your couch and do something different. Read a book, do a puzzle — just unplug from electronics for a couple of hours.
- Write a letter to the editor: Compose a letter to your favorite magazine or local paper discussing what you love, or don't love, about its latest publication. Hit send or drop it in the mail.
- Start a dream journal: Encourage your brain's creativity and your adventurous side, and start a dream journal. Keep track of all the crazy things you dream about, which makes for fun reading at the end of the week.
- Go wine tasting: Instead of opening a bottle of wine, go wine tasting and learn more about the process.
- Put your phone away: Turn off your phone and talk with friends or family in real life. Make a lunch date to catch up.
- Have tea instead of coffee: If you're usually a coffee person, try something different in the morning for a new perspective.
- Call instead of texting: When loved ones live far away, instead of texting, give them a call. They want to hear your voice instead of reading lines.
- Go to free events in your area: Even if competitive-eating contests aren't your thing, going to free events in your area is an exciting opportunity to learn more about your community and discover unique personalities.
- Rearrange your furniture: Or better yet, invite a friend over and let her tell you where your stuff should go.
- Get a makeover: Most makeup counters are staffed by talented helpers itching to give those interested a makeover. Sit yourself down and see what happens.
- Leave a secret note for someone special: Write a few sentences about what makes this person special to you and leave the note in a spot where it will be discovered.
- Ask questions: Stop being afraid of being disruptive and ask questions — especially when you aren't sure or directions aren't clear. You'll thank yourself later.
- Try a free workout session: Most gyms offer a free trial before you sign up, so head to one in your area and take advantage of the opportunity.
- Spice it up: Challenge yourself to do something sexy and unexpected. Be creative.
- Make an "I'm Too Chicken" list: Write down all the things you'd love to try but are too afraid to actually do. Look into doing something on the list today.
- Test-drive your dream car: If you've always been curious about what it would be like to drive an Aston Martin, then head to a dealership and take one for a test-drive.
- Eat something you've never had before: Not sure about escargot? You might like it!
- Test out a new perfume: Instead of wearing your signature scent, try a different perfume. Scents can alter our moods, potentially changing the whole day!
- Try feng shui: This concept introduces calm and contentment, making feng shui a smart idea to try in your office or home.
- Grow your own garden: Instead of always heading to the grocery store for herbs or scallions, try growing them yourself.
- Give yourself a time-out: Our days are packed with doing things for others, so give yourself a time-out and just chill out.
- Walk through open houses: You don't have to be house hunting to walk through open houses. And it's definitely something different to do on a Sunday afternoon.
- Ask for a raise: Be positive about your work and ask for a raise — but do it without being needy. Even if it doesn't work out, you'll prove to your boss that you're dedicated to your job.