To make successful decisions and take positive action we must be in the realistic present. Emotional decision making can be lethal when governed by unexamined personal weaknesses and wounds from childhood. Finding and resolving old patterns of emotional highs and lows increases our ability to make a calculated risk. Even if old patterns are not resolved, acknowledging them and setting them aside during decision making can create better chances for being a winner. Here is a comparison check list of traits and tendencies for gamblers and calculated risk takers.
Gambler Looks for excitement and danger.
Jumps in with the crowd momentum, not wanting to be left out or left behind. Blames others or luck for bad outcome. Lingers over losing choices and wins not taken. Is influenced by unacknowledged fantasies of what is possible. Will risk more than can afford to lose.