This saying comes from my Dad. The same man that often said “Why take a
chance when you have a cinch?”
The two statements seem to contradict each other, but they really fit together
like a hand in a glove. They both have to do with evaluating risk. A good reason
for taking a chance is if you don’t have anything to lose.
Being a rancher he was always problem solving, often in unique situations. There
were no standard answers. He was also conscious of the time because it’s hard to
work after it gets dark. I don’t know how many times I heard him say, “Hurry up
the sun’s going down.”
Therefore, he needed to do things quickly. When something came up he would
often try the quickest answer that took less effort, even if it might not work,
because he didn’t have much to lose. Often he got lucky and found a quick
solution. It really wasn’t luck. It was his willingness to take a small risk that might
have a big benefit.
I have often thought it was like walking through the lobby of a hotel in Las Vegas
and somebody gives me a $100 chip. However, I have to go into the casino and
place a bet on a roulette number. It’s a little bit out of my way and costs me a few
minutes, but I’ve got nothing to lose. I’d be foolish not to give it a try.
I’ve learned that life is like that. There are lots of potential rewards with almost
no risk. It might cost me a little time and effort. I might look or feel a little foolish.
I might even be wrong. However, since my value doesn’t come from being right I
still have nothing to lose, see Being Wrong post.
Beyond trying something new is the opportunity to think differently and break out
of old thought patterns and habits. I can take new thoughts and try them on for
size, do some experimenting. See things from another person’s point of view.
There won’t be any lasting damage and nobody has to even know I did it.
When my daughters were little they were very averse to trying any new foods.
They were afraid it might be “spicy”, have a strong taste they wouldn’t like. I
would tell them, “Try it. Your tongue won’t fall off.” Sometimes they found a new
dish they liked and they still have their tongues.
By trying new and different ways of thinking my brain won’t fall out. I can always
go back to old thoughts if needed. The worst that might happen is that the new
ideas might leave a bad taste in my brain for a little while, but I’ll recover. I also
might find something valuable or that I really enjoy, like the idea of writing a blog.
What have I got to lose?
May you have enough today, one moment at a time.
THIS HELPED ME 