Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead)

Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

How often have you heard phrases like, “Go big or go home,” or “Just put yourself out there”? Society loves to advocate for taking big risks. Yet too many end up freezing or avoiding risk-taking entirely when the leap they’re being asked to make feels too big for them. Thankfully, there’s a middle ground between taking a big risk and taking no risks at all.

In this episode of The Savvy Painter Podcast, I’ll show you the power of taking small, controlled risks to build your confidence and gradually increase your risk tolerance. You’ll see why big leaps often backfire and halt your progress, and discover how to expand your risk-taking comfort zone without overwhelming yourself.

2:59 – The nervous system’s role in your risk-taking confidence and the advantage in taking small risks

8:41 – How approaching risk-taking like a ladder or video game expands your confidence

15:23 – Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary

17:41 – How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance

22:23 – Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final message

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Chapters

1. Why Taking Big Risks Can Backfire (and What to Do Instead) (00:00:00)

2. The nervous system’s role in your risk-taking confidence and the advantage in taking small risks (00:02:59)

3. How approaching risk-taking like a ladder or video game expands your confidence (00:08:41)

4. Signs that you’re taking too big a risk and techniques to regulate your nervous system when things feel too scary (00:15:23)

5. How to know when it’s time to level up your risk-taking and expand your tolerance (00:17:41)

6. Biggest takeaways, your challenge for the week, and a final message (00:22:23)