The Dark Side of Risk

I recently took a trip to Washington DC. Booked the train tickets and a hotel room in the Arlington area.

I went up there to work with some models for this agency. I wake up the next morning and my makeup artist for the shoot arrives. We go downstairs to get breakfast and get ready to start the day with the first of two shoots. The model arrives and gets her hair and makeup done. That finishes and we start shooting. About a couple hours before the second shoots, the other model cancels.

We continue shooting and finish up. I will make this story very short. Sad and frustrated for the cancellation, but grateful because I was exhausted after the first shoot. The MUA leaves and I unwind and head to bed.

It’s Sunday morning and my shoot that day cancels. The frustration increases, but does not last long. Then plans to see friends cancels as well.

While most people would be angry and say it was a waste of time, I began to realize and feel grateful that I still took the trip. While I only had one shoot, it was one of the best shoots I’ve done.

That’s the thing about taking risks. You don’t know what is going to happen. I’ve taken many in the past couple of years. Some have been well worth it. Others not as worth it, but I treat them as they are always worth it. The only time they aren’t is if you don’t take them at all.

Taking a risk and fulfilling them, seeing it through. That’s always worth it. While I didn’t have all of my shoots that I planned happen, I still found ways to be productive. I don’t believe in boredom. You can always find something to try. Something productive and fulfill your happiness.

Risks are scary. I’m not saying just drop everything and travel the country (I’ve done that). You have to be smart about it too. You have to ask yourself: Do I have the strength? Do I understand what I have planned may not happen? Am I prepared for the worst?

Just don’t settle for less than your worth.