Playing It Safe Is Riskier Than You Think

“Play it safe.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

“Safety first.”

Clichés become clichés for a reason. There’s usually a kernel of truth in them—and that’s certainly the case here. Safety is important. The last thing I want to do is downplay the importance of protecting yourself—physically, psychologically, or otherwise.

But if you’ll bear with me a minute, I’d like to share a few thoughts on safety that might challenge how you’ve thought about it before.

Let’s go way back. Further… a little further… all the way back to the hunter/gatherer days.

In that world, safety mostly meant physical safety, because there were real threats everywhere—predators, starvation, rival tribes, disease, extreme weather. Basic survival wasn’t guaranteed, and lifespans reflected that.

Fast forward to today. While some parts of the world still face serious threats, modern civilization has largely eliminated many of those ancient dangers for most of us.

But here’s the catch: our brains evolve slowly. They’re still wired to seek safety, even when it’s not really necessary—or helpful. That wiring shows up in small ways, like how I always try to sit with my back to the wall in restaurants. I guess I’m channeling my inner cowboy, watching the door in case some outlaw kicks it open and announces, “This town ain’t big enough for the both of us!”

Is that likely to happen? Not unless I’ve seriously misjudged my lunch spot! But something in my lizard brain still nudges me to play it safe.

And it goes much deeper than restaurant seating.

Looking back on my life, I can see that my brain—no doubt in a well-meaning attempt to protect me—has often advised me to avoid risks. Just the other day, I made a half-braggadocious comment that I don’t really lack self-confidence in most situations. My wife gently pointed out that might be because I’ve made a habit of staying in my comfort zone.

Ouch! But she was right.

I’ve tended to avoid anything I wasn’t fairly certain I’d be good at right away. I’ve passed on opportunities that felt too risky. I’ve hesitated to aim high out of fear that I might fall short.

“What if,” right? But play that out. What’s the worst that could realistically happen if I try and fail? Would a bear eat me? Would I starve or be swept away in a flood?

Nope. The worst-case scenario is probably just a bruised ego. And let’s be honest—most people won’t even notice. And if they do? They’ll forget by next week. I’ll move on, maybe a little humbler, but better for it.

So yeah, I think I’ve let my brain trick me into playing it too safe. I’m going to work on listening less to that reflex and more to the thoughtful, purpose-driven part of me that’s ready to grow. There’s a lot of life out there I’ve probably missed by staying comfortable. That’s one trend I’d like to reverse.

Maybe you feel the same. If you find yourself holding back from something that matters to you, try asking, “Is there real danger here—or am I just avoiding discomfort?” If it’s real danger, then of course, weigh your risks wisely. But if it’s just the discomfort of stepping outside your norm, here’s a simple three-step framework to help:

1. Dissect the Discomfort

Ask: “What makes this uncomfortable—and what does that tell me?”
Discomfort is a natural part of growth. It doesn’t mean stop. In fact, it usually means you’re on the right path.
Name the emotion—fear, vulnerability, uncertainty—and watch it lose some of its grip.

“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” — Ginni Rometty
John Maxwell echoes the same in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: “Growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone.”

2. Reduce the Risk

Ask: “What’s one baby step I can take today that feels just a little bit brave?”
Break the big scary thing into smaller, manageable chunks.
Reframe the risk as a learning opportunity—not a pass/fail test.
Action builds momentum. Confidence comes after the first move, not before.

3. Pursue Your Purpose

Ask: “Why does this matter to me—and who will benefit when I follow through?”
Reconnect with your why. That clarity has a way of overpowering fear.
Picture the ripple effect—on your life, your work, your family, your team.
Purpose fuels courage. When the reason is big enough, discomfort starts to shrink.

The truth is, safety isn’t bad—it just isn’t always wise. Especially when it keeps you from pursuing the kind of life, work, or impact you’re truly capable of. So next time your brain whispers, “Play it safe,” pause and ask: “Safe from what?” If the only thing at risk is your ego or a little discomfort, then maybe it’s time to lean in, not back. Growth is waiting—just on the other side of your comfort zone.