Take the Risk

LeBron James, Mr. Millennium Basketball Star, is having his challenges with his current team the Miami Heat. I suspect that he knew challenges would come as he learned to gel with his new teammates this first year in Miami, but he risked it and left the Cleveland Cavilers with a smile.

Altruism pays. This former Akron, Ohio native is all about altruism. He is iconic for so many reasons. He is a game showman – ask a fan or just sit in the audience wherever he plays. I have been there and was thrilled throughout the game. LJ-”Mr. LeBron” is a good dad, he regularly visits his old Catholic school or community centers and spends quality time with the youth in camp programs. LeBron helps others.

A few years back he took a risk when he shocked the athletic community by firing his agents and replaced them with his friends from home with whom he grew up playing the game of basketball. They got the job because LJ (which is a brand in itself as is MJ (for the famous all-star Michael Jordan) trusts them to guard his financial and franchise empire.

That’s a risk; you’d better believe that it is. To trust homeboys with your millions…I possibly wouldn’t take that risk. Even though that is an improbable risk to take for me, I applaud LeBron James for deciding the benefits outweigh the detriment. “You can’t be afraid to fail, that’s only way to succeed,” says LeBron.

Do your own risk equation prior to making big decisions.What are you in a quandary about?

Here is how to Minimize Your Risk and Maximize Success:
1. Identify the Risk
2. Write the Risk down in the form of an “IF” question. For example – If I decide to write a book, what are my risks?
3. Take a sheet of blank paper and divide into two columns: Benefits and Detriments
4. List everything you can free-form think of. Do not second guess, just build your list in both categories…..write, write, write
5. Examine your list with an objective party. Try to select someone or two or three people who will offer constructive feedback. Someone who will probe beyond the obvious. Someone who will be tough and confident enough to buff out the true gains and risks.
6. Last, Set the list aside after you have completed Step 5. Mediate, mentally massage what you know. Think and process. Some practice I Ching as a decision-making aide.
Then decide your best course of action.

Don’t ignore risks, but more importantly don’t overlook benefits.
You are capable of making an informed decision…just do it aware of both the risks and benefits.

The main thing is tor
Decide.