Describe a time when you took a great risk. What was the outcome?
A popular adage says ‘no risk, no rewards’. The commonness of this adage made me ignore it until my university days when I experienced the actuality of this saying. The university required all students to submit their coursework before the stipulated deadline and students who did not submit their assignments before the deadline scored a zero. The university authority reduced the pressure of this policy by allowing students an extension of up to five days provided the students submitted an extension request at least five hours before the deadline. Many students took advantage of this flexibility, but I never requested an extension. I usually planned and set goals for each coursework we were given in class and this strategy enabled me to finish all my assignments before the deadline.
I was caught between sending a request for a deadline extension and risking an F by trying to stick to my principle. The coursework was due in two days and I was behind schedule. The interesting part is that I remained adamant and insisted that I would complete and submit the coursework before the deadline. I took the risk of continuing work on the coursework as though I was on schedule. I admitted it was impossible to complete the coursework before the deadline, but I persisted and worked through the night to complete the assignment. I submitted the assignment three hours before the submission deadline. I took a risk by not requesting a deadline extension when it was five hours to the deadline, and I got rewarded by scoring a B in the coursework, without breaking my principle.
My experience showed me the importance of taking risks and helped me face situations with an orientation that risk was important. I have since understood that once I know my target and set my goals, no risk is too much to take. The principle of understanding the importance of taking risks has improved my performance in all areas of life and has helped me to manage personal and academic projects more effectively. I have resolved to pay more attention to the rewards of my endeavors, instead of glorifying the risks associated with the project. The pains associated with risks may be enormous, but the joy of the rewards is overwhelming. People must be willing to face life’s challenges with an understanding of the risks while focusing on the rewards that lie ahead. The right application of these principles will improve people’s performances.