Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, NC, Siam Waterpark in Spain and Happy Island Water World in South Africa are examples of popular water park destinations in the world.
Considering the thrill and enjoyment derived from all manner of water activities that include riding, playing in splash pads, sliding through fast paced sometimes dark tunnels and landing in plunge pools, diving into waterfalls, swimming into deep ends, playing/floating with animal/birdlike inflatables, jet skiing and so forth the fun can be insatiable for many. And so are the risks. In essence during the summer months, families can enjoy all the water themed activities to their hearts content.
“Everyone seeking some thrill should weigh in on their risk levels and threshold before indulging in any of the water activities.”
Fascinatingly, while some individuals will stop at nothing, but indulge in all the water park attractions, and the riskier it seems the greater their thrill. Conversely there are those who will be sufficiently thrilled by partaking in water activities that appear to be moderate to mild risk-wise and this maybe just swimming in the shallow end, stand under a water pad or use the inflatables to float only through calm waters. Attempting to slide through the high-water mega tunnels, let alone the thought of jet skiing is absolutely out of the question. Alas other individuals, easily branded as cowards will not even dare touch the water with a 9foot poll, they will happily grab a beach chair, line it with a towel, apply some sunscreen and nap as they busk in the scorching sun. These group of people are content with the status quo and probably their only other indulgence will be taking selfies and eating. Their disengagement with the water may be due to their fear of swimming, drowning or perceived risk of the water. For others, it’s the paranoia of catching an infection considering the potential of existing contaminants such as bacteria, viral and fungal dangers.
Investing Risks and Thresholds
That said everyone seeking some thrill should weigh in on their risk levels and threshold before indulging in any of the water activities. Noting that just as there is a lot of fun and pleasure from the water activities, some people come out scathed adversely, due to injuries, bruises or worse, serious illness.
Similarly, in trading and investing, we have high risk takers who dare ride in the mega water tunnels and will trade in risky volatile stocks and may gain big or lose everything. Should they gain, from their investments their joy will equate that of the water park high-risk taker and thrill seeker, albeit the risks. Unfortunately, should they lose big they may go ballistic and even do something harmful to themselves because they cannot cope with the loss.
Then moderate to mild risk takers may trade and invest with a bit more caution and only allocate a portion of their savings into this endeavor. Therefore, if they lose or win it won’t hurt as much and the scathing is bearable.
Then the naysayers, like those who just lay on the beach chairs and watch others swim. These individuals have no propensity to lose a dime nor the threshold to see what direction their money will go should they invest. For them they lose nothing nor gain anything and may be satisfied in saving and making 41cents interest a month depending on their bank and savings.
To this end, perhaps attending trading and investing classes my benefit all types of individuals to learn how to invest and trade in a manner that aligns with not only their personality type but also their risk and threshold levels.
By Cyd Nzyoka, PhD
Cyd is an independent researcher, writer & HR consultant. She’s versatile, passionate about investing, taxes, teaching at the tertiary level, corporate training and dissertation coaching. She’s involved in writing on multicultural education, social justice and careers among other topics. You may read her works under IGI Global Publications. Cyd is a graduate of Capella University - School of business and technology. Email thoughts and comments to Cydnz@yahoo.com
Disclaimer
This blog is written for educational and informational purposes only. By no means do any of its contents recommend, advocate or urge the buying, selling or holding of any financial instrument whatsoever. Trading and investing involves high levels of risk. The author expresses personal opinions and will not assume any responsibility whatsoever for the actions of the reader. They author may or may or may not have positions in Financial Instruments discussed in this blog. Future results can be dramatically different from the opinions expressed therein. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Reprints allowed for private reading only, for all else, please obtain permission.
I love this analogy! I am a risk 'avoider' as far as water activities are concerned haha.
Wow. You nailed the comparison. Love it!!
This is a good read and the example used to explain risk nails it. Thank you.