Are You Going to Play It Safe This Year?

The new year is here, & babyyyyyyy I’m so glad 2024 is outta here! Tah tah, bye Felicia, good riddance, & every other way to dismiss that year. It definitely took me through the wringer. I’m so optimistic about 2025, but there’s a question that was asked Sunday at church that has me in deep thought: “Are you going to play it safe this year?” Let’s put a method into effect to figure that out!

What Does “Play It Safe” Mean?

When I think about the meaning of “play it safe,” I think about not being a risk-taker. I’m one of those people who’s on the fence: sometimes I’m pedal-to-the-metal risky & other times I’m side-eying cautious. Historically, I’ve leaned closer to the cautious side, but it’s mainly because I’m a thinker (almost to a fault). 

     When presented with anything, I think of everything that could potentially happen, be it the worst of the worst or best of the best. My brain kind of works like Dr. Dr. Shaun Murphy on the show “The Good Doctor.” All of the ideas fly around in my head until I fit the puzzle pieces together to make sense to me. 

     Some examples of what “playing it safe” looks like:

• Staying within your comfort zone
• Sticking to routines
• Making choices that feel secure & predictable
• Avoiding making major commitments 
• Keeping the same friends 
• Dodging difficult conversations 
• Holding back on your goals
• Downplaying your talents 

Why Some People Play It Safe

I’ve somewhat been conditioned to expect the worst out of anything so I’m prepared for pretty much any outcome. Guess that’s why I’ve been super cautious. However, since turning 40, I feel like I’ve been on a YOLO journey. Like being too cautious might cause me to miss the opportunity of a lifetime. And because of that, I’ve faced my fears with a few things:

• I flew solo in October for the first time in a long time. It took 1 flight of turbulence during a storm & the plane dropped for me to put flying on my side-eye list. I’d rather drive 35 hours before getting on a plane. But then came the vacations I couldn’t drive to, so I had to put my big girl panties on & get on those flights.

• I rappelled down a waterfall & ziplined. First of all, I was bamboozled into going down that waterfall (they told me that was the only way to get back), but it was fun. Ziplining felt freeing, honestly. I don’t like heights, but it’s a different kind of rush jumping out of a tree way up in the jungle.

• My sisters & I got matching tattoos in Vegas. It was a sister trip for my bday, COVID had the city hella quiet, & it was cute. That was a great trip BTW! ️

• I cut my hair short. The shortest I’ve ever gone was a bob, but I couldn’t resist a fly haircut I saw on IG…& I’ve gone even shorter than the initial cut.

• Shots, shots, & more shots! I’m a mixed drink, white liquor kinda girl, but when in Rome with Romans…I still don’t like to taste liquor, but every now & then I turn into a shooter.

• I started Intentional. I always wanted to be a business owner but never knew what it would be. Here ya have it, almost 3 years in!

     Back in the day, I would have never done the majority of that stuff (minus the tattoo cuz that was #6 for me). I wasn’t risking anything unless it had a guaranteed outcome. I won’t even gamble high amounts. If I have to put in more than $10-20 on the bet, let me watch from the sidelines & wish you well. I like predictability to a certain extent, so I stuck to what I know. 

     Everyone has their own reasons for playing it safe. It can be a way to protect your peace (cuz ain’t nobody got time for that). It could be to conserve energy (wasting time & energy is not where it’s at). Or they may be on a quest to rebuild after a challenging season. But are these excuses holding us back from being & experiencing greater things?

     Taking risks requires stepping into the unknown, facing uncertainty, & embracing potential challenges. It means you have to be courageous & ready for whatever. Or you could be stepping out on faith. 

     Jumping off the deep end can lead to exciting new possibilities, but it also demands mental & emotional resilience. You have to be willing to possibly lose something or someone, & that can shoot your anxiety through the roof. 

Will I Play It Safe Or YOLO It?

Deciding whether to play it safe isn’t about choosing a “right” or “wrong” path—it’s about aligning your actions with your current priorities, values, & self-care needs. Whatever decision you make needs to be based on what’s best for you. Don’t let Judgy Judy talk you out of something you feel is right for you. Let her sit & watch you from the sidelines.  

When deciding whether you’re gonna stay in your safe zone or venture out into the wilderness, ask yourself:

• Am I ready & willing to take risks, or would staying steady feel more nourishing?

• What does playing it safe look like for me this year?

• Is it a form of self-care, or is it rooted in fear?

     Ultimately, the key is listening to yourself & trusting your journey. Whether you choose to play it safe or take a leap, honor the season you’re in & make choices that support your well-being.

     This year, let your decisions reflect what your mind, body, & soul need most. Whether it’s stability or adventure, trust that you’re on the right path.