As freelancers we tend to be risk-averse. We feel that our future is scary enough as it is, without taking any unnecessary risks.
But…we are also entrepreneurs, building a small business from the ground up. And one of the hallmarks of successful entrepreneurs is that they do take risks.
I’m not talking about crazy risks that could lead to the loss of everything. I’m thinking more about the kinds of risks Seth Godin refers to in his book, Poke the Box
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He makes the point that doing nothing, starting nothing and risking nothing leads ultimately to stagnation and collapse. You need to challenge the status quo from time to time. You need to poke the box. (You know “the box” – it’s that thing you are meant to think outside of.)