We talk about the pace of everything nowadays; technology, media, news cycles, TikTok trends. All of which makes us sound a bit… old. So does the word nowadays.

This pace forces a choice earlier or more frequently than we might like; the choice between being a “risk-taker” or a “stability enthusiast”. This choice mirrors the broader dichotomy of being offensive or defensive in navigating life’s challenges. While both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, the pace at which the world progresses today demands a certain level of courage and willingness to take risks, not to settle for status quo.

Development pace accelerates before it magnifies the decay.

It seems logical- those who choose the path of caution often do so to avoid the potential pitfalls that come with taking risks- death and dismemberment in real life, failure and reorganization in business. So they prioritize stability and security, seeking to protect themselves from potential harm or failure. However, while this approach may offer a sense of safety, it may only be a sense. The world is, itself, chaos, and mankind only does its best to make sense and order of it all. It’s often an illusion – we control so very little above our own actions. Without taking risks, there is no growth or progress, and one may find themselves left behind in a rapidly advancing world. Playing it safe may seem like the lower-stress option, it may not lead to the same level of fulfillment or success in the long run.

On the other hand, risk-takers embrace the unknown and are willing to step outside of their comfort zones in pursuit of their goals. Sounds glam, doesn’t it? It’s not. They just understand that progress often requires taking calculated risks and are not afraid to face the challenges that come their way. Emphasis here is on calculated risks- some risks are often not as scary as they look. While this approach can be daunting and may lead to occasional setbacks, it also offers the opportunity for great growth and advancement. Let me rephrase that – frequent setbacks.

At today’s pace, those who are unwilling to take risks may find themselves struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements happening around them. On the other hand, managing explosions, metaphorical or otherwise, is exhausting and requires great mental and physical courage. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the rewards can be immense… or perhaps just a few steps ahead of the pace.