There is one decision that takes you a step towards success and happiness in life.

And that decision is taking action.

Not focusing on the outcomes of that action, but on the action itself.

Action is its own reward. If you achieve your aim, you will be happy and confident, but even if you fail, you will learn to do it better the next time. Both ways, you win.

Logan Haney said it so beautifully,

"Taking the action and becoming the person that takes risks to become who he wants to be is worth it on its own."

Again in one of the most interesting and lesson rich books i have ever read, The instant Millionaire, the Instant Millionaire said to the young man who came to learn the secrets of riches:

If you want to succeed in life, you have to make sure you have no choice in the matter. You have to put all your back to the wall.

People who vacillate and refuse to take risks because they don't have all the elements in hand never get anywhere."

If we had not hit the publish button on those crappy articles we were capable of, many of us would still remain aspiring writers, daydreaming about the day we shall one day share our writing with the world.

Indeed, the secret to becoming what you can as a human is in doing what you can with what you have.

The fear of the outcomes of those actions will only paralyze you and make you worse in the long run.

Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. So we must stretch ourselves to the very limits of human possibility. Anything less is a sin against both God and man. — Leonardo da Vinci

How to Take Risk with Ease

First off, a risk is any action you fear to take because you are uncertain about the outcome.

By learning how to go navigate around those fears, you can achieve the success you seek and the happiness that comes with it.

1. See Life Like Successful People

Successful people don't see life in terms of success and failure. They believe any outcome if properly managed can be forged into something good.

Once a young man once asked the CEO of TATA how the company manages to make great decisions. His response was surprising:

We make good decisions and work on them till they become great.

Successful people believe they can transform any outcome to their taste. And so take action, even when they are uncertain about whether it will turn out a success or failure.

That's how successful people think.

2. Think of the Worst Outcome

And if it doesn't involve anyone losing his life, then go ahead and do it.

"Always think of the worst thing that can happen. And if it doesn't cost your life or more money than you have, then go ahead and take the risk."

That was the best advice I got on risk-taking. It came from a friend of mine when I related how scared I get when an investment opportunity comes my way. I was always scared, but since that day I have learned how to take calculated risks with ease.

If you can manage the outcome and contain it, when not take it?

3. Design a Way Out

Always have an exit plan. Something else that can ease the burden of the worst outcome.

It is the principle behind having multiple streams of income. The idea is that when one fails, the success of the others will cushion the resultant psychological effect of losing.

The reason is that many people can't manage the psychological effect of loss. But with an exit plan, you can minimize the effect of that burden.

Final thoughts

Action is its own reward.

The only secret to making progress and achieving the success and happiness you desire is taking action.

Get obsessed with taking action. Action is a game-changer. It is the first miracle variable in the equation of success and happiness.

If you choose success and happiness, also choose action. Action makes those dream it a reality.