If I Were 22, I Would Do the Exact Thing I Was Conditioned Not to

In a recent post, I shared the many reasons why recent grads are poised to surpass the leaders hiring them.

One thing they have to overcome: the message my generation of parents has sent about risk-taking.

I worry that we have left young adults woefully unprepared to take the risks needed to realize their dreams and maximize their happiness and their impact on the world. I’m not talking death-defying acts of derring-do. I’m talking about stepping outside your comfort zone…taking on a task where you’re not guaranteed a perfect grade.

Mine is the helicopter generation to various degrees, hovering over you – trying to remove every possible risk. But we have inadvertently convinced young adults that risk is a bad thing. And we’ve conditioned you to expect a safety net that doesn’t exist in the broader world. Consequently, you aren’t as confident in your resilience as you otherwise might be. How, then, can we expect you to do things outside your comfort zones without us there to help pick up the pieces?

Prudent risk-taking is an essential part of living. It’s how Apple invented the iPod, iPhone and iPad. It’s how Jonas Salk cured polio (did you know he tested the vaccine on humans, including himself, his wife and his children?). It’s how Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to help Germany flourish following the financial crisis.It’s how many of the greatest innovations and most successful companies were born. It’s how we expose ourselves to people and situations that stretch, inspire and engage new parts of our brain.

The biggest turning point in my career happened when I stepped outside my comfort zone. I’d been in a job in which I was having a blast and working with some of the most interesting people and industries on the planet. Suddenly, I was asked to give it all up and step into a totally different role for our company as head of strategic planning. It was a high-risk move.

But I ultimately dared to take it. It wasn’t a comfortable fit on day one. I was dealing with a mercurial boss. Because of the role and the personalities involved, it was obvious from the outset that at any moment my career might be over – and I probably wouldn’t see it coming. At first it was a constant struggle to keep faith in myself. But the risk to my career was ultimately freeing. I just pushed ahead and did the job the way I thought it should be done and, when I was stymied, I leaned on my colleagues for support and guidance.

And what a job it proved to be! I found myself doing all the things I’d dreamed about. I was able to help launch several new businesses and begin the process of a major acquisition that would dramatically change the landscape of our firm.
The job proved an incredibly rich experience. It dramatically changed my career and instilled tremendous confidence in my ability to adapt and grow.

And it’s not just a lesson for those graduating in the coming weeks – it’s relevant for people of all ages. Sure, you’re great at what you do; but what’s your next challenge? Look around – there is always something. What about taking a class to learn a new skill and expose yourself to new ideas? For those closer to the ends of their careers than the beginning, what about reverse mentoring, where you can learn from younger employees?

The point is, whenever you find yourself trying to stay inside your comfort zone, consider the benefits of doing the opposite.

Don’t let mom and dad’s best intentions hold you back.