We celebrate people who achieved remarkable results. More often than not, they achieved those remarkable results by taking huge risks. Risks that, obviously, paid off for them. Not so much for the many others who took similar, if not the same, risks and failed. Often, what made the difference between failure and success had nothing to do with the person, their qualities, or actions. There are infinite variables on the path from risks to success that no map can guarantee the outcome. Plus, if that map existed, we wouldn't have to take risks at all. And let's not forget that many successes are built on the lessons learned from previous failures. Just think of all the risky explorations of the poles or the many tries to reach the peaks of the highest mountains.
Yet, the many who failed are quickly forgotten, and the few who made it are celebrated.
I wonder, shouldn't we celebrate the risk-takers more than the results achievers? Shouldn't we acknowledge those who take risks regardless of the outcome?
If the only thing that matters is the outcome, we won't begin until we are confident enough to achieve the desired result. Not only is this the exact opposite of taking risks, but it also confines us to the realm of probabilities. Unless we get out of there and take foolish risks, we can't step into the realm of possibilities—until someone does it and succeeds. Then, we will celebrate that person, study their journey, build a map, and settle for probable.
Take chances.
Make mistakes.
Be human.