As any successful entrepreneur will tell you, there are some rules of risk-taking. First, put aside your squeamishness and learn to live with the potential for failure. Build on the successes, learn from the losses, then move on. Second, know what you're trying to accomplish and how. Third, calculate your tolerance for risk carefully.
Some people are perfectly comfortable taking big risks in the hopes of achieving big pay off.
You may not be one of them. O.K. Small risks taken wisely can get you exactly where you want to be. Fourth, know what you're risking. Finally, figure out the cost of not taking risks. In fact, you may find that the status quo is your enemy if the changes around you are profound.