Cover Your Ears
by Allison Whitehead

Have you ever come across a killjoy?

You know the type theyre always talking about how hard life is; about all the things they would have done, if only they had the time; and all the occasions when they had a chance to do something new but decided not to take the risks, just in case everything came unstuck.

Im sure youve got the picture and you probably know a few people who have all the qualities described above. The view these people have of life is one which is perfectly straightforward but essentially limiting. And they spend much of their time picking holes in other peoples ambitions and goals, trying to make them see that it would be much safer if they didnt bother starting up that new business just now and instead settled for what they already had. Maybe it would be better to give it a go in six months time, or a year or preferably not at all.

After they have merrily pointed out all the pitfalls and disasters that could (and almost certainly will) happen, you would be forgiven for wanting to crawl back into bed, wondering why you ever bothered thinking about striking out in a new direction in the first place.

If you are considering starting up your own business, taking a new job or direction in life, or exploring the possibilities of turning that lifelong hobby into a part time selling opportunity, then these are the people you want to avoid. They wont open any doors for you, but they will certainly show you how to slam one in your own face! These are the people who will try to save you from yourself, but you are not your own worst enemy they are.

Business of any sort, by its very nature, is fraught with pitfalls and disappointments, as any killjoy will tell you. Yet conversely, they always forget to mention it is also filled with success stories too numerous to mention. Take the Body Shop, for example. You can bet somebody pooh-poohed that idea when it was first set up. Who would want to buy shampoos, lotions and skin creams with ingredients such as seaweed? The killjoys would say people want to buy what they know and trust. Wrong again!

This is the essence of the killjoy. Present them with any situation and they will immediately point out its faults and failures. This is not altogether a bad thing, of course. Anyone starting out in business should be aware of what could go wrong. But as a life plan, as we set out our goals and dreams, it is far from ideal. We all take risks every single day of our lives. When we cross the road to go to the supermarket, we are taking a risk. But the risk is worth it to get the supplies we need to exist. And of course we take due care and attention.

Taking chances albeit on a much grander scale is what successful businesses are all about. The Body Shops quirky selection of unusual and fascinating ingredients has made it a high street success and a favourite with many people.

And the same balanced view of the pros and cons of any venture can help you too no matter whether you are eager to start up your own home typing service, or youre about to become head of a huge multinational company.

Cover your ears to the killjoys, and be prepared to take risks to succeed. The important thing to remember is to make sure you know what risks you are taking, and why. It is much like a game of Dungeons and Dragons. To get the key to the treasure chest, you have to be prepared to face dangers and enemies, and risk the traps and pitfalls set up to oppose and challenge you. Only by taking calculated risks like this can you hope to succeed.

And where would the killjoys be? Cowering at the entrance to the dragons cave, thinking theyd rather not bother if its going to be so dodgy.

The key question is this do you want something badly enough to make whatever calculated risks are involved worth taking? If you rush in blindly for something you so desperately want, it can be disastrous, yet so can not bothering at all.

So think about the pros and cons before you step forward into the unknown and ignore what everyone else might tell you. Only you will know whether or not the prize is worth the risk.

About the author:

Allison Whitehead has written and published countless articles on business, self help, goal setting, and motivational topics. Her latest book, The 5 Secrets of Successful Goal Setting, is designed to help you reach all your goals whatever they may be. Download your FREE PDF preview at www.lulu.com/content/301705 today.