Why Taking Unnecessary Risks Could Derail Your Dreams (And What I Learnt the Hard Way!)

How many times have you let the competitiveness of a crowd, the pressure of a “just go for it!” mentality, or a rush of adrenaline push you into a risk you weren’t ready for? I’ll be brutally honest—many of us have, and far too often, it doesn’t end well.

Hi, I’m Kevin, the Runpreneur, and welcome to the next chapter of my mission: to run beyond Day 4,292, smash the 40,075km global challenge, and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes. Every run, every post, and every lesson learnt brings us closer to this life-changing goal. Today’s post is about something we all face—RISK—and how a simple decision could change everything.

The Alpha Crowd: The Pressure You Didn’t See Coming

Let me set the scene. I recently heard from a friend who went on a business-networking ski trip—the same one I joined last year but sat out this time. Picture this: a bunch of high-achieving, ultra-competitive entrepreneurs, all eager to show what they’re made of, not just in business, but on the slopes too. You can imagine the energy. It’s infectious—and sometimes just a bit too much.

Day one on the mountain, my mate found himself swept up with the group. They pushed harder, took bigger risks; before he knew it, he was tackling a red slope he may not have been ready for. The result? A shattered collarbone, an abrupt end to the trip, and involuntary hours on the sidelines. Harsh, right?

The Hidden Dangers of “Just Going for It”

That could have so easily been me. Or you.

The lesson here isn’t about skiing. It’s about life. Far too often, we let ourselves be pulled along by a pack, measuring ourselves by others’ strengths or comfort zones rather than our own. What’s an acceptable risk for someone else could be disastrous for us.

You see, risk is personal. Really personal. Whether it’s a business decision, a fitness challenge, or a simple choice to push your limits, ask yourself:

• What’s the worst-case scenario?

• Is the upside worth the downside?

• Am I taking this risk for myself, or because someone else thinks I should?

Why I’m Making Fewer Assumptions

At my core, I’m a planner. I spend my days de-risking—constantly questioning, “What if?” The older (and, hopefully, wiser!) I get, the more I realise that not all risks are created equal, and not all are worth taking, especially when the consequences don’t just affect me but everyone around me, including my mission.

Because let’s face it: one bad call could mean I can’t run tomorrow. And if I can’t run, we don’t get closer to £1,000,000 for children’s charities. That’s too big a price for one reckless moment.

Your Risk Is Your Responsibility—Don’t Let Others Decide For You

If you take one thing from my storey, let it be this: be bold enough to step back from risks that don’t serve your bigger picture, no matter who’s egging you on. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’ll meet you at the bottom”—on the easier route or by making a smarter decision. That’s not weakness. It’s wisdom.

Everything worth doing carries risk—crossing the street does! But be the person who assesses, not just guesses. When it comes to your health, your goals, and your dreams, there’s no “one size fits all” risk tolerance. Don’t let someone else's version of "safe" or "possible" dictate your path.

Let’s Finish This Lap of the World—Safely and Stronger, Together

Every day, I lace up my (bare) feet and hit the road to raise money and hope for children who need us. Your support, your shares, your lessons learnt as a community—they all matter.

Tell me: have you ever been swept up in a crowd and later regretted a risky decision? Drop your storey in the comments—I answer every single one! And if you believe in my mission to raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes—like, share, and subscribe. The more people we reach, the more impact we make.

Keep running safe. Stay positive. Stay happy. And always weigh up your risks—your dreams deserve nothing less.