Unsalted Butter
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” ~Wayne Gretzky
Sometimes, you should not choose the safest route. A recent conversation with an artist, musician and entrepreneur zeroed in on the topic of putting oneself out there to make an impact, and how the danger of holding back risks something far worse, embodying something more boring; unsalted butter.
In theory, unsalted butter lacks intense flavor, any immediate kick, or impact of something remarkable. It may prompt some to then add salt to achieve something finer. It is often viewed that it is better to be savory than bland. So why then would one hold back from taking healthy risks when presented with a defining moment or opportunity to break out of the comfort zone? Is familiarity too tempting, uncertainty too scary? Some choose the path of the unknown to discover growth and novelty, and others play it safe, all based on our individual perceptions and how we view uncertainty.
Our brains do not quite interpret reality, it’s more a kaleidoscope of context; our history, convictions, and biases, so while uncertainty is typically neutral, it’s our own perception that colors what we do about it. If our brain tells us to engage with the unknown, we build the muscle to better handle the unpredictable. If we avoid it, we strengthen the idea that what we do not know can hurt us. Often it is a matter of reframing what we are afraid of as a chance to adapt, navigate and find opportunities in what can be perceived as obstacles.
Often discussed as a ‘fixed’ or ‘growth’ mind set, the former shies away from risk while the latter embraces it. Usually if one has a fixed mindset, risks are a threat and effort is negative while a growth mindset allows for learning and cultivating new skills. “If you are not making mistakes, you are not trying hard enough” is more of a growth than fixed motto. Like any other practice, yoga, math problems, public speaking, the more you can adapt to new situations, the more flexible you become while navigating the unexpected. With repetition, you can learn to be more confident about taking on challenges and see risk-taking as a bridge to build resilience rather than a deterrent. We can also remember that after successfully handling something formally unknown, future situations feel less scary. Taking healthy risks does not happen overnight, but everyday there will be an opportunity to embrace the unexpected, to reframe the obstacle, to not be unsalted butter.