Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius

by Victoria Labalme

Some people in life know exactly what they want to achieve. This is a book for the rest of us. - Victoria Labalme

If you sense there's something more but you're not yet sure what it is...

If you wish you had the courage to try something new...

If you're struggling to figure out your next steps on a project, plan or path...

Risk Forward will help you find your way.

In this brief, easy-to-read, full color book experience, acclaimed keynote speaker and performance coach Victoria Labalme shares a series of strategies that are practical, reassuring, and radically freeing.

Through these uniquely designed, whimsical, and thought-provoking pages, you'll learn:

- How to navigate through uncertainty
- The #1 question to identify what matters
- Four insights to help you find your way
- Why your disparate talents are essential to your path
- How to handle moments of indecision
- 3 key questions to ask when you get advice
- How to stay on course and know that what you do makes a difference

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Business, Personal Development, Audiobook, Productivity

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 2021

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is shockingly bad. It is extremely privileged and entitled. The ideas are basic, overused, redundant, and sometimes don’t even make sense. The entire book the author assumes that people have the means to “risk forward” and try different things. She says that this book is for creative people, but it’s really just for privileged white people who want someone to tell them they’re doing everything right. Victoria spends 161 half empty pages either talking about herself and shamelessly name dropping celebrities or telling you that you’re doing everything right and shouldn’t take advice from anyone. Don’t buy this book. I’d give it 0 stars if I could.

[Marina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The pages are half empty… but really, this book is full of name-dropping and stuff everyone’s heard before (with new catch phrases to make it sound fresh).

[Scott Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Read, Beautifully Expressed Ideas, Everyday Impact
Some people light up the world. Victoria Labalme is one of those people. Risk Forward is practicable, heartening, relatable, soul-stirring, and fun. True stories illustrate how we find and make our path, learning as we grow, wherever we are in life. After completing a career in business technology, I’m exploring artistic and philanthropic pursuits, and I’m grateful for this friendly companion guide. I read through it in one sitting. Instead of retreating to the crowded shelves, this book will live on my coffee table, where I’ll enjoy revisiting short sections at random whenever I need a booster. I’m eager to share Risk Forward with people I love. They deserve it, and so do you!

[Lisa Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I read this at a perfect time for me. Definitely some good food for thought. There is some unconventional advice given that I think is good to reflect on especially as we come out of a year of pandemic living. The book is scattered at times, but there is much to pull out of it to use when you need it.

[Becky L Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Read by the author. Delightful read. Super short. I don't normally use a credit for books of this length, but the author is a delight to listen to. Honestly I only bought it based on high recommendation from Susan Pierce Thompson, one of my fave authors. If you're debating between physical book and audio I would probably recommend physical book. If you can't justify a credit for a listen if this length, the information to be gleaned is very similar to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's book Creativity or even So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport. Depends how you want the material presented. The author really only has her personal experience as a basis for her advice, which isn't bad, whereas the other 2 books mentioned have in depth research into numerous people and professions. Again all a matter of perspective. Should you choose to read this book you will not be disappointed, no matter which format you pick up.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted this book to be better. It’s a fast read with lots of graphics and white space. The insights about how to take your time in deciding what path to take in your career were helpful. I particularly liked the part where she encouraged readers to revisit moments from their life where they feel alive and the section where she shares what her mom called her life’s work was sweet.

The book has little blurbs asking you to go online for more resources. That was rather annoying. I didn’t want to go to her website to find out how to apply the principles she was teaching — that’s why I bought the book! This book could have been an ebook - then all the parts she tells you to see and download from her site could have been included.

Overall this was a disappointment to me. I think the colored sections in the book were well designed, but I don’t buy a book for that...I’m looking for impact and this book didn’t make much of an impact for me.

[Ross Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Labalme's Risk Forward is at once simple/accessible and immensely/intensely profound. I recommend this book to anyone, period. I don't think there is a particular demographic for whom it is best suited...because I believe it to be suited for all humans, and probably other species as well. He is poetic, yet practical. She has a long story arc, but can be read, and may at times prefer to be read, in any order you choose. Risk Forward is a steadfast companion, ready whenever you are but respectful of your need for space. In the author's own words, "Consider this book a touchstone for your soul--and a playbook in the improvisation of your work and life."


Take a chance on her. I can promise you won't regret it. I felt the need to purchase 3 copies - audiobook, ebook, and hard copy - all for me! Lol.

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the premise of the book was great. Brought up great ideas for living your own life and enjoying the wold around you while not staying in other people's boxes. Some people need to hear this, but also sounds like a rehash of lots of self help and happiness books. A bit more simplified. Smooth and enjoyable.

[Jorė · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful short book for those who don’t see their lives as straight paths with clear directions. Who feel, as the author says “does everyone else have a map to life? Where I was the day they gave out the maps?”.
No big revelations, just a calming eveing read reminding that it’s ok not to have everything figured out. That’s how adventures are, uncertain and foggy

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TREASURE! This book is not just read it’s experienced. One to go back to again and again. It is pure inspiration that comes from your own current within.

[Demitria Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yaaas! A Must Read for Creatives and Otherwise!

This is exactly what I needed in my life and I found it at the perfect time.
I am transitioning from a nine-to-five job to entrepreneurship and it gave me the umph I needed. To just be me, trust my creative instincts, make mistakes, learn...
And it's ok to mess up, veer of course on purpose, and to never feel like I'm broken because I don't follow the supposed 'right way' of doing things.

[Vaiva Paulauskaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great concepts explained simply. If you want a little pick me up motivation book for a short coffee break, it’s perfect for you.

[Andrea Caverzagie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Work Book Club checkkkkkk

[Myra Salzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lighthearted, whimsical, easy-reading book is written by a lady whom I know and profoundly admire. Actually, Victoria coached me in preparation for my TEDx talk several years ago, and I’ve taken several classes from her as well. The messages in the book are unlike most self-help books. There are no “shoulds,” there are no “musts.” In fact, here’s the good news: you cannot “fail” as long as you’re moving forward, as long as you’re risking forward, as long as you’re feeling just a little bit uncomfortable.

I love that the book gives me permission to not have a clearly defined purpose. Instead, it allows me to make mistakes, to be unclear, to trust my gut, to move forward without certainty, to play with my ideas, to not be social or on social media, and to not fear fear. This is a nice, refreshing break from a lovely, inspiring author. It will become my go-to book to give away. I’d recommend this book for anybody!

[Jennifer England · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the feel and look of this book. It was mentioned by someone that this can be used like an oracle. I believe this wholeheartedly. Have a question, just pick the book up and stop where it may. It's colorful, full of meaning with very little said. I get it. Will be keeping on my little table for easy access. Take the time to watch Victoria's videos. And the book is interactive. You can go online and enhance your reading experience. And I love the little characters.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting to note that books often cross my path just when I most need to read them. Such is the case with Labalme's Risk Forward. I have been stagnant in my own writing process. This book helped unblock and shake loose some of my fears and doubts. After reading it, I feel ready to write again.

Easy to read, and accessible to most, the author uses gentle humor to good effect and it feels like you have someone in your corner, rooting you on.

I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who feels "stuck" in their life.

[Sarah Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply & humbly captures where I am right now - itching to gather momentum and see what’s around the next bend for me. This is a book I will give as a gift in the future, I’m sure of it. I appreciate how easy this was to read. The Unintimidating style lays the groundwork for the feeling that the reader CAN accomplish things, whatever ideas are flirting around your life.

It’s not groundbreaking or deep, but it’s like lunch with a truly encouraging friend who makes you feel like you can do anything when you get up from the table.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk Forward by Victoria Labalme should be in every entrepreneur’s library. The book helps the reader out of “The Fog” and down a path to their hidden genius. With thought jolting ideas such as, “At the edge of not knowing is the beginning of the extraordinary” and “Trust the idea that can lead to the idea”. Ms. Labalme creates an environment that assists one to perform at their highest, best level. Buy it. Read it. Study it. Implement it!

[Harlene Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serendipitous Find

This book was bought by mistake, when I thought I was downloading something I already owned. Decided to take a quick look before demanding a refund, and read the whole thing. Finally a book on achievement that doesn't say what I should do, but how to trust myself and the process. Amazing! Love serendipity!

[Jorge Lechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This little book packs a ton of wisdom with a punch. It’s very unpretentious. It’s inspiring. It’s authentic. It’s all information we already know, but presented in such an artistic and relatable manner that you can’t put it down. It adds meaning and art to everything. Thank you, Victoria!

[unknown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's short, simple and entertaining and above all insightful

This isn't a book, it's an experience. It flows, it's short, its sweet and it's simple, its entertaining and above all, its very insightful. If you wonder about "Not knowing, what to do in life" Do this, read this book... Ponder over it!

[Megan Chrisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reads a bit like a motivational presentation, but I think it has good insight for anyone who feels like they have no clue where to go, but they know they need to get there. Whether you need a change in your career, relationships, creative endeavors, or spiritual life, this book can aid you.

[Serenity Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. I love a good "you can do it", and this one had some unique takes on things like focus, purpose, making decisions, and being perfectly okay with not having it all figured out.

[Debra Ham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a light read, but filled with wisdom and great reminders for life. I also liked the format because the author didn't beat around the bush and give a lot of fluff to say what she needed to say. The sections were concise and and to-the-point.

[Patrick Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, reassuring book on creativity that provides a good pep talk and lots of resources.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but some solid advice.

[Bea Bezmalinovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Print adaptation of a presentation or training outline. Fun graphics. Nice link to website resources.

[Michele DeKinder-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly excellent; visionary, thought-provoking, well-designed book.

[Nisha Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas to think about.

[Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful.

Lots of food for thought. I suggest you read it more then once. Go back and do the online resources.