Risk Tolerance and Safety

Those of you who are familiar with investing – or gambling, for that matter – understand the concept of “risk tolerance.”  Risk tolerance describes whether someone invests in property, stocks, the quarter slot machine, high stakes blackjack, or whether they stay at home with a piggy bank and or a stash under the mattress!

Humans have a similar range of risk tolerance when it comes to personal safety.  Some might judge other people’s choices as foolhardy.  Some might think other people are timidly avoiding life.  But it comes down to is choices.  What can we, as individuals, live with?  What level of risk am I willing to take to do something I might enjoy?

This is why the typical A, B, C approaches to personal safety and safety tips usually don’t work.  Usually, safety tips read as “Do these things and if you do, you’ll be safe.  If you don’t follow them, well, you’re just asking for it, aren’t you??”  But there is no one formula to stay safe.  There are areas I should consider and about which I should make thoughtful choices.  But no one can tell you what will be right for you personally.

We recently wrote new safety tips to reflect the “choose your own adventure” nature of life.  They are not steadfast rules.  They’re issues and areas you might consider when planning your day and how to best enjoy it.