Risks and Rewards

Risk taking is what the arts are for.  Human beings must take risks to find what else is "out there" and at what we might excel.  Additionally, risk taking increases the resilience of children, as they make and learn from small accidents.  The artist shown may appear to be only painting, but he is also taking a risk.  Trying something new can be scary, but is necessary for inner growth.

The artist is painting a landscape for the first time.  Leaving his typical schema of floating shapes and swirls behind, he is putting together more in depth concepts and arranging them cohesively.  This occurs both in his mind and on his paper, as he thinks on his feet.  He adds more details while he works from moment to moment, and this leads to advanced decision making skills for a variety of situations.

Taking this personal risk and engaging in possible failure, the artist sacrifices his pride for possibility.  However, he still achieves a reward.  The artist is finding out more about himself, as he challenges his skills and asks questions of his ability.  Only he can answer those questions, after engaging in exploration and discovery.  He is learning not only by doing, but by risking.  

Risk taking is a major component of leadership.  It increases one's confidence and drive to try more things, encourages a sense of adventure, and allows one to revel in the spontaneity of the world.  Such leaders tend to have energy and determination that is imparted to their peers, as they challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.

The artist continues to fill in his entire paper.  He is caught up in the act of trying new things and seeing how far he can go with this challenging but enjoyable experience.  Though taking the risk to stray from traditional modes of working may cause a slight bit of discomfort for a person, the benefits of trying and succeeding at something new are everlasting.  Confidence increases, social supports are formed, and inner growth allows a better understanding of preferences and priorities.  Thus, an individual is better suited to live life to the fullest and be ready to handle whatever risks might come along in the meantime.