Gotta Risk It for the Biscuit

In the South, we say, “You gotta risk it for the biscuit.”

We all want the biscuit… figuratively speaking. Well… quite literally for some. But as good as that biscuit is, there’s always something that keeps us from reaching for it. That something is risk.

Risk is defined as “exposure to the chance of injury or loss.” It’s not the guarantee of failure, just the possibility. But that possibility is often enough to stop us in our tracks. Why? Because deep down, what we’re really afraid of isn’t risk, it’s mystery. The unknown. The uncertain.

Nowhere is the unknown more ever-present than in improv. Step onto a stage with nothing planned, no lines memorized, no map to follow, and you quickly realize that every single moment is a blank sheet of paper. You don’t know what your partner is going to say. You don’t know what the scene is about. You don’t know how it’s going to end.

And yet… you step in. You say, “Yes, and…” You move forward. Not because you know, but because you’re willing to discover.

Improv thrives on curiosity. It celebrates the messy, unscripted, unrehearsed nature of life. It teaches us to embrace mystery as a space for creativity, not a threat to control. That’s not just sound improv theory, it’s a practical skill for life.

Ultimately, risk avoidance is fear... not of what is, but what might be. We might get rejected, mess up, or lose control, so instead, we play it safe. We over-prepare. We overthink. We wait for absolute certainty, and in doing so, miss out on the breakthrough that mystery could have brought us.

As FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Often, the thought of what might happen is far worse than what’s actually happening. And when fear becomes the loudest voice in the room, we freeze, we hesitate, we miss the biscuit! 

Three Ways to Embrace Mystery in the World of Work   

Here are three practical takeaways for those who want to approach work with more curiosity, flexibility, and confidence in the face of the unknown:

1. Stay Curious

In improv, great scenes don’t come from always knowing what to say… they come from listening, reacting, and asking “If this is true, what else is true?” In work and in life, instead of asking “How do I control this?”, try asking “What can I learn from this?” Remember… Curiosity invites innovation. 

2. Give it Shot

Every improv scene has moments that fall flat, but the players keep going. Why? Because they’ve learned that failures and imperfections are part of the process. But know it’s ok to start small. Try a pilot version. Run a beta test. Start a conversation, even if you’re not sure where it’ll go. Sometimes, you just gotta have the guts to try.

3. Adopt a “Yes, And” Mindset

“Yes, and…” is the golden rule of improv. It doesn’t mean you blindly agree with everything. It means you accept what’s offered and build on it. In your next meeting or project, resist the urge to shoot down ideas or be contrarian too early. Instead, add to them. Expand them. Let them evolve. This mindset fosters trust and helps create a space where people feel encouraged to think boldly and take appropriate risks.