Why is RISK so important for growth?
Our question today is:
“Why is RISK so important for growth?”
⬇ Watch this video or continue reading below a detailed perspective ⬇
We just started up a YouTube Channel, and this is the subject for the first of our weekly videos. Watch the video on YouTube here >
(As they say, “Don’t forget to Like & Subscribe” 😉)
Reason #3 – Research shows it’s good for you.
I just returned from helping lead a wilderness ministry training trip where
a bunch of things went wrong, and my fellow guide & I were very happy about it.
This was the field experience of OAL 664, aka "Wilderness Programming and Leadership," an intensive course in the Outdoor & Adventure Leadership Master's degree program at Wheaton College. This was a very exciting to be involved in, because since the season our founding team was in prayer & planning before launching Summit, one big dream has always been involvement in the equipping of higher-ed or seminary students.
We put these grad students into "Leaders of the Day" positions (a technique common across wilderness education programs), and most were in over their heads. Brand new technical skills for some, brand new terrain for others.
And then to make matters worse, complications came on: A knee injury, altitude illness, and rain that kept coming.
Why would we put these leaders-in-training into situations where they could possibly fail while leading other students in a dangerous backcountry environment?
In the video I discuss 3 reasons:
FAILURE IS GUARANTEED:
They're going to fail at some point. Why not when they have a safety net of experienced instructors ready to help?AGENCY IS LIBERATING: A sense of control over decisions & outcomes. When you're the one responsible for a decision, you take it more seriously, knowing you will have to deal with the consequences.
EXPERIENTIAL MEMORY WORKS:
Risk/Reward + Direct Feedback = Long-Lasting Learning
Basically, my co-guide & I were very happy with the outcomes.
(Of course, we were always right there, ensuring safety & monitoring for over-stress. Watch the video for an explanation of how good guides monitor & calibrate the challenge level.)
Embracing risk is a matter of perspective.
There's a phrase we use at SUMMIT pretty frequently:
“Adventure is only inconvenience rightly considered.”
That means that when we maintain clarity of purpose through a growth-mindset, we can encounter hardship, challenge, or stress, and consider it just another adventure.
Accept the Challenge!
Think for a moment, evaluate yourself, or consult with your friend Jesus...
What’s one area of your life & leadership where you to take a step of faith?
Is there something in one of these three dimensions?
Mind: Academic study? Or Learn a new skill?
Body: Physical activity/exercise? Or an opportunity to serve others?
Soul: Trust God while you take a leap of faith? Or finally get some counseling?
I CHALLENGE YOU:
Name that thing you know you need to step boldly into.
And let me know what it is! Reply to this email. Leave a comment on the YouTube video.
I'd love to pray for you & support you if needed.
Hope to see you out there in the "Stretch Zone" -- I'll be there too! Let's make it an adventure!
Bryan Turner
Executive Director & Lead Guide
Photo from Men’s Backpacking Pocket Wilderness, 2023.
Your financial support of SUMMIT equips leaders
Our mission is to equip the followers of Jesus, so that they are prepared to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16). We say that we "prepare people for purpose" using Truth, Adventure, & Leadership, leading to the kind of things described in the story above.
Did you know that Summit Outdoor Leadership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible?
We don't ask very often, but because #GivingTuesday is coming December 2 (mobilizing people across the globe to support nonprofit orgs), & some of you may be making End-of-Year donation decisions,
Would you please consider supporting SUMMIT?
Support from amazing people like you is what enables us to lead ministry training for professionals, offer scholarships to Mother/Daughter Retreat, host weekly discipleship for men through Yokefellows, write spectacular curriculum, & so much more!
Give online at: summitlead.org/give >
You can also give via Venmo: @summitlead
Or send a check to: Summit Outdoor Leadership, PO Box 1051, Bastrop, TX 78602
Thank you for your consideration!
