Take the Helmet Off

[On Not Killing Creativity - V]

Do you wear a helmet when you bike?
Ski?
Climb?
Kayak?

Our world is padded. For our safety, of course.

In other words, we are all more risk averse than ever before. The risk involved to participate in, say, sports that threaten head trauma, is reduced when we wear a helmet because risk is a measurement of the possibility of injury. That means fewer concussions and fewer trips to the ER.

Step beyond the examples from extreme sports and physical injury.

Risk, in life, is training ground for creativity.

Risk dares the mind to not measure the cost, to be reckless, to take “immature” chances. Analysis, risk aversion, endless assessment, protective measures, padding and helmets and knee pads (literal and figurative), protect against fractures, fallout, and failure. But they also breed hesitation, doubt, and fear, and thereby reduce possibilities, potential outcomes, and unforeseeable futures.

That’s why the risk takers are also the record breakers.
Risk takers are the innovators.
Risk takers are the artists.

Risk takers build the future, and sometimes taking the helmet off allows creativity to thrive.