The future belongs to the risk-takers, not the comfort seekers
In a world where uncertainty and change are the only constants, the future belongs to those who are willing to take risks. The comfort seekers, who prioritise stability and security above all else, will inevitably be left behind. The risk-takers, on the other hand, will reap the rewards of innovation, progress, and success.
The comfort zone is a psychological state where individuals feel safe and in control. While it may provide temporary relief, it can also stifle growth and innovation. Those who remain in their comfort zone too long will miss out on opportunities for personal and professional development.
Comfort seekers are individuals who prioritise stability, security, and familiarity over taking risks or pursuing new challenges. An employee who sticks to a routine job with minimal challenges, preferring predictability and stability over opportunities for growth or advancement. A person who avoids taking on new projects or responsibilities, opting for a comfortable and familiar workload.
A person who prioritises short-term comfort and convenience over long-term goals or aspirations, someone who avoids making decisions that might lead to uncertainty or discomfort, even if it means missing out on potential opportunities, are examples of how comfort-seeking behaviour can manifest in various aspects of life, from career choices to personal relationships and decision-making.
Risk-taking is not about being reckless or impulsive; it’s about being bold, innovative, and willing to challenge the status quo. Risk-takers are not afraid to venture into the unknown, and they understand that failure is an essential part of the learning process. I am not talking about risk-takers like scammers, “yahoo yahoo” boys, commercial sex workers, thieves and armed robbers and other social vices.
Risk-takers possess certain characteristics that set them apart from comfort seekers. They are visionary. Risk-takers have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and they are willing to take bold steps to make it happen. They are resilient, they understand that failure is a possibility, but they are resilient enough to bounce back and learn from their mistakes.
Risk-takers are flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances, which allows them to navigate uncertainty with ease, are creative and innovative, always looking for new ways to solve problems and improve processes.
Nigerians are known for their resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty and adversity. Given the country’s challenging economic concerns, low salaries and wages and high cost of living, many Nigerians have learned to navigate risks and find ways to thrive. Nigerians are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, with many starting businesses despite economic challenges. They find innovative ways to survive and grow, often relying on informal or gig work. Many Nigerians continue to take calculated risks to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Nigerians have shown remarkable adaptability in the face of adversity, finding ways to cope with challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficiencies.
Nigerians are known for their hustle mentality, driven by economic necessity and a desire for financial freedom. The country’s challenging economic landscape, characterized by high inflation, unemployment, and poverty, has fostered a culture of entrepreneurship and resilience.
In Nigeria, hustling is more than just a means to earn a living; it’s a way of life. Many Nigerians juggle multiple jobs, side hustles, and entrepreneurial ventures to make ends meet. This culture is fueled by the need to survive and thrive in a tough economic environment, to make ends meet and support themselves and their families, to achieve financial independence and security, to acquire new skills and enhance their employability and to start and run their own businesses.
While some Nigerians may prioritise comfort and stability, the hustle mentality is deeply ingrained in the culture, driven by necessity and a desire for success. In the days of our fathers and fore-fathers, referred to today as “good old days”, their earnings could take care of school fees, feeding, family, extended families and other expenditures and so, relied solely on their earnings as civil servants. Other types of businesses like hair dressers, tailoring, food vendor, buying and selling and the likes were for those who were not educated.
Today, the story is different. Master degree holders, PhD holders, are Uber drivers, food vendors, fashion designers, content creators and into various buying and selling for financial freedom and make ends meet. All these, demand risks taking. Staying in your comfort zone in Nigeria is limiting and unfulfilling. Nigerian Civil servants take home pay does not take us home any more. It barely gets to the gate of the office. Salaries are used to pay previous loans and goods bought on credit, because it is barely enough to feed. Salaries pay for debts, incure new debts and the circle continues. Before you realise it, it’s 35 years of service and it’s time to retire. This is one of the reasons why life expectancy in Nigeria is low. The importance of engaging in other businesses and services, cannot be overemphasised. Leave your comfort zone and make living worth it.
The future belongs to the risk-takers, not the comfort seekers. Those who are willing to take bold steps, challenge the status quo, and venture into the unknown will reap the rewards of innovation, progress, and success. So, if you want to achieve greatness, don’t be afraid to take the leap and embrace the uncertainty of risk-taking. The future is waiting for you.
