Level Up! With Shay

Have you ever asked for a raise at work?

Quit your job to start your own business?

Moved across the world without knowing a single soul?

All of those are risky moves.

But here’s the twist: the opposite choices are risky too.

Staying in a job that underpays you, simply because it feels safe.

Remaining stuck because you don’t know your other options.

Living in the same town forever because it’s familiar.

Asking for a $2 raise can mean an extra $4,160 a year. Not asking? That’s $0.

Becoming an entrepreneur is risky – clients, bills, taxes, instability. But the potential freedom, income, and impact? Limitless.

Moving to a new country might feel terrifying. But it could lead to new friendships, incredible adventures, or even the love of your life. Stay put, and your circle may never change.

The truth is, everything is risky. The question is: what kind of reward are you aiming for?

Working a 9-5 is often seen as a “safe” path. And in many ways, it is – predictable paycheck, benefits, structure. But layoffs happen. And the reward? Usually capped.

Even Warren Buffett, one of the greatest investors of all time, got wealthy not by avoiding risk, but by understanding which ones are worth taking. He doesn’t gamble – he calculates. He focuses on long-term rewards.

Here’s the thing: most of us are trained to see only the risks. From childhood, we’re told:

“Be safe!”
“Don’t climb that, it’s dangerous!”
“Don’t touch that, it’s dirty!”

So, we grow up viewing the world through a lens of caution – risk management becomes second nature.

But what if we trained ourselves to see the other side?

Not just the risky side – the rewardy side. (Yes, I made that word up. 😂)

When considering risk, some people ask “What will happen if I do this?”

I ask… “What will happen if you don’t?”

I understand – this message isn’t for everyone.

It’s for the person with a dream – someone who craves more than safety. Someone who’s willing to bet on themselves for the chance at freedom, fulfillment, and full-blown success.

If you want to be a stand-up comedian, going to open mics is risky. You could bomb. You could miss out on social time. You could go home disappointed.

But the reward?
Selling out theaters.
Landing Netflix specials.
Living your dream.

At the end of the day, it’s not about which path is better.
It’s about which path is yours.

There’s nothing wrong with my dad choosing safety – that’s what he values.

There’s nothing wrong with me taking risks.

And that purpose isn’t to become the best risk manager.

It’s to become the boldest reward seeker.

Nothing is guaranteed. But everything is possible.
(Unless you’re 60, 5’6″, a woman, and your dream is to make the NBA. You get my point.)

We’re animals, yes – but we’re smart animals. And we can retrain our brains to look toward the light.

So, which direction are you facing today?

Risk – or reward?

Leave your thoughts / fears / dreams / risks / rewards in the comments! I read every one and would love to hear.

Shay

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