10 quotes about risk (because putting your words out there is risky)
I’ve noticed that even the most accomplished writers, including those with publishing contracts with companies that include Hachette Book Group, Macillan, and Simon & Schuster, are anxious about bringing their words to an audience.
Sharing your work with the world takes courage. It’s a risk. As authors, we ask ourselves a lot of “what if” questions:
- What if it’s awful?
- What if people hate it?
- What if readers talk publicly about how much they hate it?
- What if nobody buys it?
- What if I don’t earn back the money I spent to create a quality product?
I’ve got a short response to all of those questions: You will survive.
Yes, you might feel sheepish or embarrassed, maybe even humiliated. But in the grand scheme of things, you’ll just keep moving forward, right?
I’ve got a longer response, too: What’s the worst thing that can happen in this situation? Can you live with that?
I’ll bet that you’ve endured far worse things than a critically panned book. I know I have.
Quotes about risk
With that in mind, I’m sharing 10 quotes about risk that resonate with me. The first is one that addresses how I approach risk: Before I take a leap, I make sure my bungee cord is attached.
I hope they make you more comfortable the risks you face as an author.
“Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” — General George Patton
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” — T.S. Eliot
“Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.” — Jimmy Carter
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Opportunity dances with those on the dance floor.” — Anonymous
“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.” — Geena Davis
“Take risks. If you win, you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise.” — Anonymous
“You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
“Don’t be afraid to take a big step. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.”– David Lloyd George
“If you don’t play, you can’t win.”– Judith McNaught
Take a chance
Progress comes with risk. You won’t move forward without it.
Only you know how much you can handle, but if you want to succeed as an author, you’ll need to be able to take small risks, at least.
Once you get start pushing past your boundaries, even a bit, it will get easier. After awhile, you’ll discover that the rewards are worth it.
What risks have you taken with your book?
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Sandy,
Thanks so much for the inspiration and insights in these different quotes. I’ve taken and continue to take many risks. It is part of the joy and scary part of publishing.
Terry
I agree, Terry. I take calculated risks, meaning, I don’t leap first and look later. But I take plenty of them, for sure. Thanks for weighing in!
Sandy
Morning Sandra,
Courage is taking on your fear and still moving forward you inspiring post reminds to keep pushing forward for something that I feel is bigger than me and for that I say thank you.
Best regards,
Yanatha
“Success comes with support we only fail in this life when we fail to uplift one another”
I’m SO happy this inspired you, Yanatha. Thank you for that feedback!
Sandy
Great quotes. I’ve seen this quote many times and always wished I had the courage to do this. “ sometimes just have to take a leap and build your wings on the way down”
Alas, I too take calculated risks, but even those do pay off.
Sandy, your emails have such great tips – thank you.
Cheers, Rayka
Thank you, Rayka!
I saw that wings quote when I was making my selection for this article and honestly, I didn’t use it because it scared the heck out of me! I can’t build wings when I’m frightened by the fall!
I’m smiling…thanks for stopping by!
Sandy
You are one of the few I haven’t deleted from the overwhelming number of writing-related emails I received daily. Shared this on my FB author page
and recommended you to followers. (First “introduced” to you via a phone conference with The Wild Rose Press…also love the 365 writing tips series.) Thanks!
I’m so glad to know you’re still with me, Judy. And how lucky are we to know Rhonda Penders at WRP? She’s the best!
I visited your website and LOVE your media page — great job! I’m going to share it with my Facebook group.
Thank you for being so kind.
Sandy