This should be a prayer: God, grand me the ability to know the difference between taking a risk with the talent you gave me and being reckless with it.
As most of you probably know, I created an online event design and planning course, which is taught at colleges across America. But this year, for the first time, I’ll be launching two floral design courses — one for beginners and one for experienced florists.
My inspiration for these courses comes straight from the many emails folks have sent me sharing the same story: they hated their jobs, and so they took a risk and became a florist like me. They write that it was a very scary leap of faith, but that they’ve never felt more alive or happier.
I, too, took a big risk when I decided to pursue floral and event design. Fortunately, that risk has paid off. I believe I owe some of my success to my willingness to let God guide my soul journey. I always knew there were going to be lots of ups and downs and that the journey would be bumpy, but I trusted in God to help me distinguish between good risk and recklessness.
And, of course, I always remember the motivational quote, “When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did do.” That sage advice has helped me take many enriching leaps.
Dear Readers, what risks have you taken that have paid off? Please share your stories. I can’t wait to read them.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Courtney Fontenot - Alpha Prosperity Events
February 2, 2012
What an amazing post and thank you sharing. I struggle with this topic all the time of knowing when to take a risk, trusting that God has given me a talent or specific wisdom about something. I really want to take the risk of doing my business full time but I keep waiting for something, a sign , I don’t know. Thanks for the inspiring words. I will create my Faith confession using your words. Thanks for the post. It helps more than you know.
Melanie
February 2, 2012
There is a cuban singer that in one of his songs says “and I have so much faith that even without having a garden, I’ve bought a grass cutter” (more or less the translation)…
I love to think that way!
If you really love what you want to do and really believe in yourself, you do have to take risks or at the end you will regret not taking them (like you say Preston).
There will always be a lot of reasons not to get out of your safety spot, but then again, how will you know if you haven’t tried?
about what you wrote “God, grand me the ability to know the difference between taking a risk with the talent you gave me and being reckless with it.”
so true! maybe I want to be an astronaut, but I am reckless in physics… I think you do have to be realistic when taking your risks and do know what your abilities are and also know your weak parts.
So what’s it going to be? learn and dominate physics to become an astronaut as I dream? or say, I want to be an astronaute but I know I have no clue about physics?
(maybe I am using the wrong metophore… but that is the sense)
AS for what Courtney said… I thought so too at the beginning, when I started my company.. “what if something goes wrong? what if I don’t get as much clients and wont be able to pay my rent? and much more thoughts that stopped me from doing it full time (that is for my own company and not for 3rd parties)”…. thank god I did take the chance and the risk!
It’s not as easy as it is to write it… takes time, sacrifices and loads of work to make things happen! but if you love what you do, it will be worth it!
xx
Lara Goldman
February 2, 2012
After my husband was killed in a plane crash in 2004, i simply couldnt get my Uber Corporate Executive Life back together. The things that mattered before he was killed simply stopped mattering. 2 years later, i was no further along in the healing process.
So, in march 2006 i lamented to a friend “how much money does it take to live on a tropical island”. Most people just nod their head and mutter ‘yeah’ when i say that – but not this friend. he said “well, if you move to costa rica, el salvador or belize…”. I said “belize, wait – where is that”. Two weeks later i was here, bought a house, and the rest is, as they say – history.
The reason the decision cycle was so rapid is very simple. I thought through my assets and liabilities, and how those impacted a move to another country. After all was said and done, the only reason – the only single solitary reason – i could come up with NOT to move, was fear. And fear, my friend, is neither a reason to do, or not do, anything.
So my friends, your heart and spirit really are you best guides. If your only reason NOT to do something is fear – then do it anyway. Nothing great was ever accomplished out of fear.
Evolve!
Joyce
February 2, 2012
Thna you for sharing this post Mr Preston, I am at a point in my life where I say I am done limiting my challenges but instead I am challenging my limits, I am a wedding planner in the Riviera Maya who just recently started on her own, and so far so good
, believing in myself and by God´s grace, lastly by kicking the word fear out of mind helped me a lot. GO AHEAD AND TAKE THAT RISK
Glenda Brown
February 2, 2012
Love It! Taking the limits off! I am learning to continue to do it with faith and the failure would be not to even try! Soaring with Eagles Wings!;-) Thanks for your empowerment, encouragement and mentorship by sharing your footsteps of advancement utilizing your God-given creativity!
lina Dakkak
February 2, 2012
I am in dilemma and your feed back would help me a lot.
i made a good name in my country as a florist and event planner, but my shop has no visibility to passing by clients, people know of me , but not of my place, it is too small .
I found this beautiful shop in a prime location, but i am so frightened to take the risk and put all my saving and invest so much in it.
please can you help me take the decision , i need your advice
Theo
February 3, 2012
great post, Preston. One of the greatest risks I took was to approach a very handsome guy once and talk to him. The rest is our happy history.
Christie Niq Williams
February 3, 2012
Preston,
I read your blog all the time and have never commented. After reading your blog today I just had to share how much I’ve been blessed. I am a full-time Wedding Planner and I love my career choice! In 2009, I left a six figure corporate job to become a full-time Planner. The road has not been easy, but very rewarding. Many people asks me how did I do it; my answer…with a very supportive husband, family, and friends. All of them knew that I made a great living in the corporate world, but not one of them second guessed my decision to become self-employed. With proper planning, education, and a few years of experience under my belt, my decision was well worth the risk.
Teri T
February 3, 2012
I am so grateful for this blog post AND for the comments from other readers. As someone relatively new to this business, the one thing I fight with daily is fear. In fact, my only New Year resolution is to Conquer the Fear. Fear kept me from pursuing many of my dreams sooner. Thank you for assuring me that a reasonable amount of fear is normal…and probably a little necessary. And to Lara Goldman, I love your “test:” Fear is not a good reason to do, or not do, anything. If the only thing keeping me from doing something is fear, move forward and do it anyway. Love and much success to you all!
Pam Archer
February 3, 2012
Beautiful story Preston. I was inspired by the other comments as well. Lara Goldman…good for you!
In 1995, I had an idea for a fitness video. I did not have the money to produce the video, nor the know-how to market it if I did produce it. Our pastor delivered a sermon that spoke straight to my heart. He said that far too many great songs, books, and other dreams are buried in the cemetery. Don’t let your dreams pass with you. From that sermon, my husband and I took a risk and produced the video. That video launched a career for me that ultimately led to a realization of a childhood dream…going to Hollywood and being on TV. That first video opened doors! At age 49, out of the clear blue sky, I was contacted by an Emmy Award winning producer to come to Hollywood and tape 30 exercise shows and two videos for Jenny Craig! They aired 24 times per week for 2 years on Fox Sports Net and FitTV. I’ve since done several projects with this producer.
God has a plan for everyone. It’s a matter of knocking on doors and seeing which one opens. The one that opens is the one you are meant to walk through. I’ve learned that if He brings you to it, He will lead you through it. I don’t hesitate to move ahead and take risks, if I believe it has been put on my heart to do so.
I hope my story inspires others to cast aside fear and move forward. There is another saying that I like to remember – “I would rather live a life of ‘oh wells’ than ‘what ifs’.”
Sileola
February 4, 2012
Taking a risk is always a challenge, and it requires a leap of faith and an enormous amount of belief. I took a huge risk leaving my consulting job to start out my business fulltime, but I will say it was worth it. Though I have some good days and some challenging days, I have to remind myself that is comes with the package and keep moving forward. My story of starting my business was featured on a free lance writer’s blog, I hope it inspires someone: http://jostwrite.blogspot.com/2011/11/showcasing-girl-interrupted.html
KJ
February 4, 2012
WOW!! I’m so glad that I follow Preston Bailey on Twitter. The comments from all about taking worthy risks has been an encouragement to me. I’m currently changing careers to work in the event industry.. yes, searching for an opportunity (to increase my experience and knowledge) and have also launched my wedding planning business. I haven’t taken the full plunge; but I know as I contnue to work my plan…remove ALL fear, my business will grow. Thank you all. Have a great weekend!! .
Yoly
February 6, 2012
Dear Mr. Bailey,
Thank you for the inspiration. I was lost in finding my passion, which I believe is imperative to be genuinely happy… I’M GOING FOR IT!!!! I will soon begin your course. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world!