Refusing to Take a Risk: Why Everyday Leaders Must Step to the Edge to Truly Lead
- Melahni Ake
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Every day, leaders across the world make a choice—whether they realize it or not.
A choice between growth or comfort.
Between risk or routine. Between living boldly or settling quietly.
In the John Maxwell Daily Reader entry for November 16, titled “Refusing to Take a Risk,” we’re reminded that life itself requires risk. And as Maxwell writes so clearly:
“People who sabotage themselves shouldn’t worry about failure as much as they should be concerned about the chances they miss when they don’t even try.”
That truth sits at the heart of leadership.
Are You Having a “Near-Life Experience”?
Speechwriter Charles Parnell once observed that too many people live their lives playing small—bunting, rather than swinging for the fences. They go through life hesitant, afraid to strike out, never realizing they’re missing the exhilaration of hitting a home run.
Guillaume Apollinaire’s famous poem captures this perfectly:
“Come to the edge.
No, we will fall.
Come to the edge.
No, we will fall.
They came to the edge.
He pushed them and they flew.”
People don’t fly from the middle.
They don’t soar safely tucked away.
They fly from the edge—from the place where courage meets uncertainty.
And that’s exactly where true leaders must be willing to stand.
What Everyday Leaders Understand About Risk
Here’s the truth:
If you want to seize opportunity, you must take risks.
If you want to grow, you must make mistakes.
If you want to reach your God-given potential, you must move—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
At Everyday Leaders Leadership Strategy Coaching, we teach leaders that:
1. Risk Is Not Reckless — It’s Required
Leadership is choosing purpose over predictability.
2. Mistakes Aren’t Failures — They’re Movements
Every misstep is a step forward when you learn from it.
3. Growth Happens on the Edge
No one ever transformed their life by staying in the safety zone.
4. Playing It Safe Leads to Regret
One of Maxwell’s strongest lines from The Difference Maker reminds us:
“The people who don’t make mistakes end up working for those who do.”
Avoiding risks may protect your pride for a moment, but it steals your potential for a lifetime.
Where Are You Being Called to the Edge This Week?
This is the challenge Maxwell leaves us with on Nov 16:
“In some way, get out on the edge this week.”
Your edge might be…
applying for a role you’ve been scared to pursue
having a tough conversation you’ve been avoiding
launching a program you’ve always dreamt about
starting a new habit that elevates your leadership
admitting that you need support, guidance, accountability
Whatever your “edge” is—this is your moment to step toward it.
And if you’re tired of feeling stuck on the sidelines, I’m here to help you take that next bold step.
Ready to Move From Failure to Flying?
You don’t have to stand at the edge alone.
If you’re ready to grow, stretch, risk, and rise, let’s talk.
I’m offering a free leadership strategy consultation call to help you identify the very next step that will take you from hesitation to momentum — from fear to flight.
👉 Schedule your free call here:
Shout out and CONGRATULATIONS to Jude Warthen who has taken a huge RISK and launched his new business Vet Guard Pest Solutions, LLC! He is not afraid to build his dreams…. How about you?
Your breakthrough may be one bold decision away.
Let’s take the leap — together.
