Asymmetric risks are situations which have more potential upside than downside. There is more to gain than to lose. It may be a tool to decide whether a risk is worth taking.

Suppose you are getting late for the office and decide to drive at a fast speed. The upside of this risk is that you may reach the office on time. And the downside of the risk is you may die. This is not an asymmetric risk. Hence not worth taking.

Suppose you met a person. He/She is the person you would like to spend your life with. There is a risk in asking that person out for a date. The upside of the risk is you may get a great partner. The downside is nothing. The worst thing that can happen is he/she may say no. This is an asymmetric risk. Hence worth taking.

Other examples of asymmetric risks:

• Starting a business
• Investing in startups
• Writing a book
• Reading a book
• Creating a post, video, etc.

(To be updated…)