When we talk about ROI (return on investment), especially in the context of our life choices, we often hesitate.
Why? Because the outcomes feel unpredictable, the paths are rather confusing, and let’s be honest, we’re not always sure what the “right” decision even looks like.
But what if uncertainty is actually a good thing?
That’s the belief of Caspar Berry, a motivational speaker and former professional poker player. Caspar has worn many hats, he is an actor, screenwriter, sports commentator, entrepreneur – and now speaks about risk, innovation, and decision-making.
He challenges us to think differently about the choices we make, especially when we don’t have all the answers.
“One of the biggest failures in life is to never take a risk.” – Caspar Berry
We take risks every single day, be it booking a flight, buying a car, or even just stepping out our front door.
And yes, these actions come with the possibility of failure. But without risk-takers, we wouldn’t have electricity, the internet, or even international travel.
Think about Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs!
What separates them isn’t perfection. It’s their willingness to fail repeatedly, to face crises of confidence, and to keep going despite uncertainty. These great individuals were humble, open-minded, and constantly sought new data and perspectives.
They didn’t fight uncertainty – they embraced it.
Reframing Failure: The Babe Ruth Lesson
We’re trained from young to look for the “right” answer or, to make the perfect decision. But in the poker world, failure is not only expected, it’s part of the strategy.
Caspar shares a brilliant analogy: Babe Ruth, one of America’s most iconic baseball players, holds the all-time record for both most home runs and most strikeouts. By two completely different metrics, Ruth was both the best and the worst player of all time. That’s risk Baby. That’s ROI, you can’t have the wins without the whiffs.
My Personal Leap into the Unknown
Taking a risk isn’t just something I write about – it’s something I’ve lived. As a 43-year-old Singaporean Chinese who didn’t speak a word of French, I chose to uproot my life and pursue a Master’s Degree in Toulouse, France. That decision was terrifying, exhilarating, and completely uncertain.
From struggling to find housing, surviving power outages, battling cultural and language barriers, to crying myself to sleep on a soiled, broken sofa bed, I’ve lived through the raw, unfiltered chaos of stepping into the unknown.
✨And yet, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.✨
Because in that mess, I found my true grit. It forced me to confront parts of myself I had never met before- my capacity for adaptation, my quiet strength in solitude, my ability to speak up even when my voice trembled in a foreign tongue.
So if you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure if you’re “too old,” “too late,” or just plain scared – know this: the most meaningful paths are rarely the most comfortable ones.
✨ I share the full story in my Kindle book, from Chicken Rice to Croissants: A Singaporean’s Survival in France – a no-fluff, honest look at what it’s really like to chase growth far outside your comfort zone.
📚 Available now on Amazon! Just search the title on the Kindle Store or the Amazon website/app to find and purchase it. 🙂 Or Simply click here!
Every Day Is a Decisions
Caspar says the first decision we make every day is whether or not to press the snooze button. Every choice we make, from our outfit to our commute, moves us a step closer to our goals… or a step further.
“Are the decisions you are making today the best ones to get you where you want to be?”
That’s the million-dollar question. We make choices on our own, with friends, family, even at work – but it’s usually fear of the unknown that stops us, even when we really want to make a move.
What’s Your Risk Appetite?
Every person has a different risk tolerance. Some of us dive in. Some tiptoe. Some freeze.
In today’s world – with earthquakes, wars, economic shifts, it’s no wonder we crave control and certainty. But the truth is, the world is unpredictable. We can’t change that.
What we can change is how we respond.
Instead of fighting uncertainty, Caspar says we should lean into it and use it to handle change better. We can’t always predict what’s coming, but we can adjust, learn, evolve and grow.
Ikigai – Purpose in the Chaos
This mindset ties beautifully into the Japanese concept of Ikigai, or “reason for being.” It’s made up of four elements:
💖 What you love (Passion)
💼 What you can be paid for (Profession)
🌍 What the world needs (Mission)
🛠 What you are good at (Vocation)
Finding your Ikigai is a journey filled with trial and error. And yes, with a lot of uncertainties.
Pivoting Toward Purpose
In the pursuit of Ikigai, you’ll need to take risks, face setbacks, and make pivots. You’ll need to be okay with not knowing everything, and instead trust the process.
Caspar reminds us of the Butterfly Effect – how small events can cause massive changes. A job rejection, a chance meeting/event, even a weird gut feeling… all these tiny moments can steer your life in a new direction.
And that’s beautiful.
Mindset Shift: Stay Humble, Keep Growing
Studies show that being too sure of ourselves often leads to bad calls. But when we admit we don’t have all the answers, we usually make better choices.
When it comes to finding our Ikigai, it helps to stay curious, keep an open mind, and be willing to learn along the way.
Ikigai: Your Anchor in a Chaotic World
Caspar points out that society builds systems – like laws, healthcare, and capitalism, to make sense of the chaos around us.
In the same way, Ikigai acts as a personal compass. It’s not about finding one perfect path, but about discovering purpose and direction – even when life feels unpredictable.
Like a skilled poker player, you work with the hand you’re dealt, stay in the game, and adjust your moves as new cards come your way.
Final Thoughts (and a Freebie!)
I hope this article gave you a fresh perspective on decision-making, uncertainty, and the pursuit of purpose. If you’re ready to start mapping out your own Ikigai, I’ve got a a free Purpose Framework worksheet just for you.
Work on it solo or, if you’re feeling a little stuck and want someone to talk it out with, book a KoPlay Discovery Play Session with me at david@saltnpepper.sg