Risk, Reward & Humility

Risk, Reward and Humility ~ Lisa A. Miles c 2013

(Original publication Psych Central c 2013; reprint following year at lisamilesviolin.com website blog; Revision below ‘22)                                     

Found in and among commentary on national bestseller lists at the end of the year 2012, with scores of subsequent articles and essays in magazines, journals and online, could be found a relatively new hot topic-- taking risk to achieve the happiness you crave and deserve in life and work. Certainly post-pandemic ‘22 that is almost a given, with so many rethinking work - life - health.

Suggestions abound about the necessity (not mere option) of striving involved in order to reach certain pinnacles in life, be they health challenges overcome or professional goals better implemented.  A great suggestion-- because the condition of being human in a complex world requires so much life-energy spent on going after what’s really important and required of each of us, rather than in chasing distractions.  

I like the addition to this philosophy, though, of an element I believe is equally required in the mix.  It was well stated in a NY Times Career column editorial (9/30/12) describing that mere work and dedication are not enough to reach one’s goals.  Real “audacity” must be paired with a balancing measure of “humility.” Yes, humility. An idea brought home better since the whole damn world got… sick.

Akin to gentle strength, a metaphorical pairing I really latched onto two decades ago now —(and best symbolized for me by a picture of a Sioux woman carrying heavy burden of wood upon her shoulders through snow) —risk and humility go hand-in-hand.  The latter does not temper the trajectory or the extension of the former (our liabilities do that!)  Humility simply properly balances the scale, accompanying our grand, significant striving motions that move us forward to what we deserve in our lives, our bodies, our work, our relationships. 

Believing in yourself, your ideas and needs, should be latched together with what is necessary for wholeness and some sense of balance. A measured sense of acknowledgement that our unique assets are indeed worth preserving, declaring, cultivating.. But with a sense of humble deference as to what got you there, be it genetics, good family upbringing (rare), good work and intimate partnerships, support from others, readers, listeners, people who stop you on a downtown street to say they saw and were affected by a work of yours years ago… Far more than sale or social status!

And attainments that in fact change the playing field for many others, not just oneself, are what might seem unreachable to an individual or group or company at any given time.  With risk-taking, with the grit of unusual and unique dedication to topics normally-resisted, such rewards can be accomplished.  True change comes from risk paid off as ultimate reward for many, many-- daring to utter the normally not-spoken, pursuing what needs to be addressed that everyone hides their head in the sand about (whether it be cultural issues, mental health or business wrongs). Going after the big players who do naught but ill in their work! Certainly too, though, exposing and celebrating those who create good as individuals and for society.

Things that require over-the-top courage are the very things that will liberate and invigorate an individual, whether a larger whole is involved or not. Just the other day, I came across a native american term for a sacred person, an incredible empath and yet one who with magic-making brought all degrees of spirit to a tribe, but first to himself or herself. That individual was a “Heyoka”, one who definitely goes the opposite or unusual direction. Not just as artists do when they choose to make art above all else… but truly choosing paths that involve creative risk-taking in one’s larger presence here.

Think in your life where bold steps paid off. Then reflect some more on future risk and reward, and try to link your next steps, never forgetting about the appropriate measure of humility in the mix– experiential learning, professional advancement, a real focus on personal, interpersonal or organizational well-ness.  Whatever is required, take risks, strive for it.  No greater reward will reveal itself. Deep personal satisfaction with even the potential for far-reaching impact.

Image: atop La Rocca, Cefalu, Sicily (Miles 2012)

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#Risk #Reward #Humility #GentleStrength #CreativeLife #CreativeRelationships #CreativeWork #Heyoka #Sicily #LaRocca

See more on my work: www.lisamilesviolin.com