There’s a noticeable trend among those who achieve great things: they all take risks.

But not just any risks.

They take calculated, strategic risks that push them out of their comfort zone and closer to their goals.

I’ve noticed eight types of risks that these high-achievers often take. And the amazing thing is, anyone can learn to take these risks too.

Join me as I delve into “People who achieve big things often take these 8 kinds of risks”. Let’s uncover the secrets of the risk-takers and make their strategies our own.

1) Embracing failure

It’s no secret that those who achieve big things aren’t strangers to failure.

In fact, they often embrace it.

Why? Because they recognize failure as an integral part of success. It’s a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to greater things.

Take Thomas Edison for instance. He famously failed 1,000 times before successfully inventing the light bulb. But he didn’t see those as failures – to him, they were steps on the route to success.

So if you’re aiming for big achievements, be prepared to fail, and fail often. But remember to learn from each failure and use it as a stepping stone towards your goals.

That’s the first type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: the risk of failing. Embracing the possibility of failure, rather than fearing it, can be a game-changer in your pursuit of success.

2) Taking the road less traveled

I’ve always been a bit of an adventurer, preferring the path less trodden to the beaten track.

And I’ve come to realize that many high-achievers share this trait. They’re not afraid to venture into the unknown and take the road less traveled.

A few years ago, I was sitting at a crossroads in my career. I had a steady job with a good salary, but there was another opportunity on the horizon. It was a startup company, full of uncertainty but brimming with potential.

I knew it was risky. The startup could fail, and I could lose everything. But at the same time, it presented a chance to grow and achieve something great.

So, I took the leap.

Fast forward to today, that startup is thriving, and I’ve achieved more than I ever could have in my previous job.

Taking the road less traveled is indeed risky. But it’s often where the biggest opportunities lie. That’s the second type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: venturing into unknown territories for the potential of greater rewards.

3) Betting on themselves

High achievers don’t just take risks, they bet on themselves.

They have an unwavering belief in their abilities and ideas, no matter how unconventional or challenging they may be. And they back these up with actions.

For example, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, invested almost all his personal fortune from the sale of PayPal into his new ventures. He literally bet all he had on his vision for the future.

Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, his faith in himself and his ideas has paid off.

That’s the third type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: betting on themselves, even when the odds seem stacked against them. They believe in their potential and are willing to stake everything on it.

4) Going against the grain

High achievers often challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid to go against the grain.

Whether it’s a new business model, a unique product, or a revolutionary idea, they’re not afraid to stand alone with their beliefs, even when others don’t understand or agree.

Steve Jobs was one such individual. He believed in the power of design and simplicity in an era when tech products were complicated and unappealing to look at. Many thought his ideas were too radical at the time, but Jobs didn’t waver.

And we all know how that turned out.

That’s the fourth type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: standing alone with their beliefs and ideas, even when others disagree. They trust their instincts and aren’t afraid to swim against the tide.

5) Risking rejection

It’s not easy putting yourself out there, knowing you might face rejection. But it’s a risk that high achievers are willing to take.

Whether it’s pitching a new idea, asking for a promotion, or even confessing their feelings to someone they care about, they understand that rejection is a part of life.

They know that every ‘no’ brings them closer to a ‘yes’, and that the fear of rejection shouldn’t hold them back from pursuing what they want.

I’m sure we’ve all faced rejection at some point in our lives. It hurts, but it also helps us grow. It teaches us resilience and makes us stronger.

That’s the fifth type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: facing the fear of rejection head-on. They understand that without risking rejection, they might miss out on opportunities that could lead to something great.

6) Leaving comfort behind

There’s a certain sense of security in familiarity. But for me, and for many high achievers, it’s often a sign that it’s time to move on.

Years ago, I had a job that was comfortable but unfulfilling. I realized that I was just going through the motions, not growing or moving forward. It dawned on me that comfort had become my enemy.

So, I made the tough decision to leave my comfort zone. The uncertainty was, no doubt, daunting. But it was necessary for growth.

High achievers understand this. They know that staying in a comfort zone for too long can lead to stagnation. They’re willing to leave familiarity behind to explore new territories and seek out new challenges.

That’s the sixth type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: leaving their comfort zone. They understand the value of discomfort in driving personal and professional growth.

7) Following their passion

High achievers often risk the security of a traditional path to follow their passion.

They are willing to give up a steady paycheck, a predictable schedule, and even societal approval to pursue what truly sets their soul on fire.

Take Julia Child, for instance. She didn’t discover her passion for French cuisine until she was in her 30s. Despite having no formal training in the culinary arts, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Her passion led her to become one of the most influential chefs in history.

That’s the seventh type of risk high-achievers are willing to take: following their passion, even when it means leaving behind a more secure or traditional path. They understand that true fulfillment comes from doing what you love.

8) Taking the first step

The most important risk high achievers take is often the simplest to understand, but the hardest to do: taking the first step.

Whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or making a career change, the first step is always the most daunting. But high achievers understand that without taking that initial leap, they will never move forward.

So they take the risk. They take that first step, no matter how uncertain or scary it may seem. Because they know that every journey, no matter how great, begins with a single step.

Final thoughts: Embracing the unknown

The journey to achieving big things is often laden with risks and uncertainties. But as we’ve seen, it’s those who are willing to embrace these risks that make it to the top.

Whether it’s taking the road less traveled, betting on themselves, or stepping out of their comfort zones, these high achievers teach us that the path to success is rarely a straight line. It’s a winding road filled with ups and downs, twists and turns.

As Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

So as we step forward in our own journeys, let’s remember to embrace the unknown. Because it’s often in those moments of uncertainty and risk where we find our greatest potential for growth and achievement.