As the iconic Ms. Frizzle once said, “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” Summer is the season where everyone has a bucket list of things they wish to do, places they want to see and so much more. But why is it that summer creates so many risk-takers? Why is it so important for people to do so much over the summer when they have more than 365 days of the year to accomplish it all?
Risk-taking isn’t the easiest thing for many people. Some might see it as silly or chaotic, while others might see it as being the easiest thing ever. A lot of this comes from the people you surround yourself with, and summer is a perfect season for socialization. With longer days and better weather, there is a higher chance groups of people will come together for social events. Depending on the variety of people in the group, you may be surrounded by people who will never force you into doing anything out of the ordinary, or you may find yourself surrounded by people who want to see you break out of your nervous shell and take a chance on something. Both types of groups are amazing to be around, but in the summer, the second group is more likely to exist because of the thrill summer brings. Late-night swims in the ocean, midnight drives with music blasting and other adventures that may seem risky — all of these are most likely to happen with that extroverted group of individuals, and sometimes those risks are worth it.
There is also a psychological aspect of risk-taking in the summer. This season is often associated with feelings of relaxation, comfort, freedom and not having a set routine all the time that must be followed. The mind immediately shifts to wanting to do more fun activities and spending time not being stuck in a boring routine. During the summer, risk-taking is a common activity, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Someone might be taking the risk of trying a new food in a restaurant in Paris, or possibly spending more than what they promised they would on a trip. Yet, there are the people who will take the term “risk” literally and do something like swimming with sharks, rock climbing without a harness in the middle of nowhere or worse. The psychology of taking risks revolves around the willingness to try new things and not being fearful of the possible consequences, and many people associate this behavior with summer.
The idea of taking a risk isn’t meant to make anyone a threat or not worthy of something; it is supposed to allow someone or something to be more than what they seem. Summer is all about making something out of the moment you are in, regardless of how much of a spectacle it is already. The quietest and shyest people can take risks every day without anyone knowing, and that still is a special moment. You can see people on Instagram or TikTok doing something stupid or outlandish for clout or money, but we may not know the real reason behind it. Maybe they were peer-pressured into doing it? Maybe it’s a way for them to feel that they are more than what they are perceived to be.
If you are possibly thinking of doing something daring and out of your wheelhouse, do it! There is no shame in trying something new or rediscovering something from the past. Risks are not meant to be bad, nor are they only supposed to be larger than life. This summer, do whatever you feel is going to benefit you, whether it be in the present moment or for the rest of the season. Take those chances and find what you love! Summer is a season for discovery, so why not take a little risk?