The Real Risk Is Doing Nothing - Denis Waitley
Created at: November 4, 2024

The real risk is doing nothing. — Denis Waitley
Active vs Passive Risk
This quote highlights that there is a greater risk in remaining inactive or stagnant than in taking action, even with the possibility of failure. By doing nothing, one may lose opportunities and fall behind.
Missed Opportunities
It suggests that inaction can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. Taking risks may result in either success or learning from failure, but doing nothing leaves a person stuck in the same place.
Personal Growth
The quote encourages taking action, as it's often through experiences, challenges, and risks that we grow and develop. Avoiding risk inhibits personal development.
Fear of Failure
It speaks to the fear of failure that paralyzes people from taking action. Waitley reminds us that avoiding risks due to fear may actually bring about the very loss or failure we were trying to avoid in the first place.
Call to Action
Denis Waitley’s philosophy often motivates people to be proactive. This quote serves as a call to action, implying that avoiding decisions or risks is itself a decision — a decision against progress.