“You Can’t Be Successful in Business without taking risks. It’s really that simple.”
~Adena Friedman
People often think that business decisions involve some kind of risk. When you look at it, it’s mainly all about channelling your mind and heart through it. But there is another aspect attached to this concept of risk-taking.
I’ve been talking about SiQ for a long time. Those of you who follow my LinkedIn newsletters, and blogs, or download my flipbook may have an idea of what SiQ means. Based on the significance of the Spiritual Quotient, I would say that it’s not the factor of risk that should be our point of focus. When it comes to a leader with a high SiQ, the stakes are different.
Now, there are two kinds of leaders when it comes to looking at a business decision as a risk. Some see it from the POV of risk and nothing else, whereas some will see it from the POV of reward. A business decision may be risky but the reward is worth the effort. Five stars for upholding a positive mindset. However, when we give it a bird’s eye view of the decision, the scales tipping in either direction of a risk or a reward is quite mind-controlling.
The Extremes of Risk Vs Reward
Risk and reward are associated with the potential future. An anticipated foreseeable event that one expects to be either a risky outcome or a rewarding one. Therefore, our mind or heart, or both are latching onto the future that has not yet arrived.
Most of us either live in the past or the future. The present is often neglected but as you enhance your spiritual quotient, you transcend to a level where the extremes of risk and rewards are secondary.
Transcending Beyond the Head and Heart
“The best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.”
~Albert Einstein
While I don’t think we should set Einstein’s quote in stone, I do believe it is apt for what I am about to tell you.
Consider the tale of the two arrows.
Imagine a dog sitting in a yard. Suddenly, an arrow flies through the air and strikes the dog. The dog yelps in pain. The first arrow is the actual physical pain caused by the arrow.
However, the dog’s reaction to the pain is the second arrow. It’s the emotional and psychological response to the event. The dog might feel fear, anger, or sadness.
In life, we often experience both the first and second arrows. We may face challenges, setbacks, or disappointments (the first arrow). How we react to these events (the second arrow) is what truly determines our experience.
The tale of two arrows emphasizes that while we cannot always control the first arrow (the events that happen to us), we can significantly influence the second arrow (our reaction to those events). Our response to challenges can determine whether we experience suffering or growth.
So, when it comes to thinking about the so-called risks, let us increase our SiQ levels to dwell on the events themselves. Being present in the moment can help you respond to challenges with greater awareness and control. You have the power to choose how you react to events, even if you cannot control the events themselves. Remember that one can only transcend the mind in the present when one nurtures a high SiQ.
