You Only Live Once

YOLO: Embracing Calculated Risks and the Power of Trying

It's easy to get caught up in playing it safe, sticking to routines, and avoiding anything that might disrupt the status quo. But there’s a saying that’s become popular in recent years—YOLO, or “You Only Live Once.” While it’s often used lightheartedly, YOLO carries a deep truth. Life is short, and if you believe in something, you owe it to yourself to have a go.

But YOLO doesn’t mean recklessly diving into the unknown without a plan. It’s about taking calculated risks—having the courage to step outside your comfort zone while assessing the potential outcomes. You see, risk isn’t a bad thing; it's essential for growth and progress. Taking calculated risks allows us to move forward, innovate, and push ourselves beyond the boundaries we set.

The Virtue of Looking Silly

One of the main barriers to taking risks is the fear of looking foolish. Whether it’s pitching a new idea, learning a new skill, or speaking up in a meeting, the fear of failure or embarrassment can be paralyzing.

But the reality is, no one ever achieved anything worthwhile without risking failure. From public speaking to launching a business, most successful people will tell you that the fear of looking silly is just a small price to pay for the rewards that come with pushing through discomfort.

When we worry too much about what others think, we box ourselves in. We miss out on experiences, relationships, and achievements because we’re afraid to stumble. But here’s the secret: Everyone stumbles.

The people who succeed are those who keep going despite the falls. If you believe in something—whether it’s a new idea, a passion project, or a personal goal—it’s worth looking a little silly in the process of trying.

Failure Is Part of the Journey

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it. Every time you try something new or challenging, there’s a chance you might fail. But failure teaches us valuable lessons that success alone cannot.

It gives us resilience, sharpens our focus, and makes future successes even more rewarding. Some of the most groundbreaking ideas, from Thomas Edison’s lightbulb to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, were born out of failure.

By taking risks and embracing failure, you open yourself up to more opportunities. You start seeing life as a series of experiments rather than a single test you need to pass. You get to try, fail, learn, and try again. The only real failure is the failure to try.

Maximising Daily Opportunities

Opportunities surround us every day, but how often do we seize them? Sometimes, the opportunity is small, like speaking to someone new or tackling a task you’ve been avoiding.

Other times, it’s bigger—pursuing a new career, moving to a new city, or starting a business. The point is, every day presents opportunities for growth and progress, but we have to be willing to take action.

YOLO reminds us that time is fleeting, and we should make the most of the opportunities that come our way. That doesn’t mean saying yes to everything or acting without thinking. It means recognizing the potential in everyday moments and having the courage to act when something aligns with your values, goals, and passions.

A Personal Example: Returning to a Previous Workplace

This belief in the power of trying led me to a decision that involved calculated risk: applying for a position at my previous workplace. It wasn’t an easy choice. I didn’t leave voluntarily, but there’s no bad blood or lingering issues.

In fact, I enjoyed the challenges and the people I worked with. When I suffered a sudden illness, the company was supportive, and we mutually agreed on an exit so I could focus on recovery.

Now, six months later, I’ve regained my health, and I believe I have even more to offer than before. The truth is, I’m still passionate about the company’s mission and product, and I’m a staunch believer in its potential. So, why not take the chance? Why not have a go?

There was always a chance I might look foolish—what if they rejected my application, or people assumed I left because I couldn’t handle the role?

But none of that mattered compared to my desire to make a meaningful contribution and to pursue something I believed in. YOLO taught me that the opportunity to pursue something important is always worth the risk, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel at first.

Embrace the YOLO Mindset

Maximizing opportunities doesn’t mean living in chaos. It’s about a mindset—a belief that you are capable of more than you realize. When you see life as a one-time adventure, you become more willing to push yourself, take on new challenges, and embrace uncertainty.

The YOLO mindset isn’t about recklessness; it’s about having the confidence to take the leap when something truly matters to you.

So, ask yourself: What’s something you’ve been holding back on because of fear? What’s one small risk you could take today to move closer to your dreams? Remember, life doesn’t reward those who wait for the perfect time—it rewards those who take action, make mistakes, and keep moving forward.

Conclusion

YOLO may be a fun, catchy phrase, but the underlying philosophy is powerful. Taking calculated risks, embracing the possibility of failure, and not being afraid to look a little silly are all part of living a fulfilling life.

If you believe in something, if you have a dream, passion, or goal—don’t hold back. Have a go. You only live once, and every day is a new chance to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

For me, that meant reapplying to a place I never really wanted to leave. For you, it might mean trying something new, taking on a project you’ve been avoiding, or pursuing a passion you’ve kept on hold. Whatever it is, the choice is yours—and you only live once.