Taking Risks in Business and Life by Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach

Once there was a man named Brian kelly. Roy was an above-average guy, but not outrageously so. He had a good job, a good home, plenty of friends, and he kept active socially and through constructive projects for himself and for the community.
One day, Brian Kelly of Manhattan Beach California went to a party. He went alone, just looking to join up with some friends and maybe make some new ones. He poured himself a drink from the bar, and then he looked around the room to see who was there. In the far corner, he saw a rather large group of people listening to a man speak. His name was Chad. Roy could see from Chad's clothes and his demeanor that he was a very successful man. He was tan, he spoke with conviction, and he seemed to have a certain charm about him. The men who were listening to him seemed to admire Chad like a sports idol, and the women seemed to be fascinated by his presence and his natural magnetism. Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach decided he would go over and listen to what Chad had to say.

Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach California quickly learned that Chad was recounting the events of his recent vacation to the Bahamas. He'd spent a couple of weeks there, enjoying the sun, the nightlife, and the recreational activities. As Roy joined the group, Chad was telling them about a particularly memorable day he had scuba diving.
"It was the most exhilarating experience I've ever had," Chad recalled. "Being down there in this 3-dimensional world, and being compelled to stay keenly aware of everything around me, including above and below. Then, sure enough, as I was promised, a few sharks came into view. They seemed to be just curious at first, but it didn't take long before they started coming in for a closer look. Of course, my initial reaction was to want to retreat, but I remembered hearing that if you act like prey, they'll treat you like prey and attack.
If you confront these beasts, look them right in the eye, they're not accustomed to that, and their aggressive instincts don't kick in. So each time I saw one approach, I'd edge toward it, moving as little as possible, and I'd look it right in the eye. Sure enough, it would only come so close, and then veer off and move away! It was awesome. I started out with a bit of trepidation and uncertainty, but that quickly turned into a sense of power as I learned how, with a little mental discipline, I could control the situation."

Everybody was awestruck. You could see it in the men's eyes and in their slight nods, sort of like subliminal high-fives, as if celebrating Chad's manhood somehow made them a bit manlier. The women, well! The women were all cooing and posturing, vying for Chad's attention. It was obvious they thought he was quite a catch, and they weren't above competing for the prize of being his prize.

Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach reacted in a much deeper way. He realized that experiences like Chad's were exactly what were missing from his life, and he decided then and there to do something about it. As good as he had things, his life paled in comparison to the fullness of Chad's, and Roy could certainly use a good confidence-builder to help him compete in life, not to mention in the dating game, too.

So Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach California went. He took scuba lessons and got certified for solo dives, chartered a boat, and had the captain take him out to an area off the coast where shark sightings were common. Roy couldn't get underwater soon enough. This was it: adventure, excitement, and an incredible challenge, where before there was nothing but a foolish and empty satisfaction from bumping his head against the same ceiling of accomplishment day after day.
MORAL OF THE STORY: High achievements aren't reached by taking risks. They are reached by MANAGING risks.

CORROLARY: When asked to reveal the secrets to their success, high achievers tend to emphasize the taking of risks and downplay the management of them. Low achievers tend to think that managing risks is somehow like cheating, and being a risk-"taker" holds higher esteem. Do you think Chad cheated? Do you think Chad cares what you think? Would you rather be in Chad's shoes or in Brian Kelly Manhattan Beach California shoe? Have you ever gotten advice from a high achiever? Do you think, now, that there might have been something missing from that advice?