In a financial context, risk is usually used to mean the chance that a given investment will decrease in value, also called investment risk. In more general circumstances, risk is often used to communicate the possibility that a given course of action might end poorly, whether it be a new job, a new relationship, or a new course.
What often isn't addressed, or certainly addressed much less frequently, is the idea that there is a converse to this perception of risk. In the financial context this would be the risk of not investing or under-inventing. While putting money into an investment creates the possibility it will lose value and not leave you with enough money to reach your goal (let us take retirement as an example), not investing, or under-investing can mean you also will not reach your goal because you are not earning the necessary rate of return.
In a general context, I believe this risk also applies in our decisions not to undertake a given course of action. If you decide to turn down a job in a new city because you are afraid of leaving your comfort zone or decide not to explore new relationships because you have had a negative experience, you are functionally limiting your return in new experiences and friendships. While you may not ever find out what you lost in not taking a risk, it is certain that by choosing to turn down opportunity, you have limited yourself.
Next time you are faced with a decision that might lead you into uncharted waters, I would ask you to contemplate both kinds of risk and remember that risk is a part of life and can often lead to unexpected rewards.
