It’s human nature to avoid risks. But in a psychological phenomenon known as “negativity bias,” we tend to overestimate risks and underestimate the potential upside that comes with risk-taking.

If you avoid taking risks in your career, according to Valerie Oswalt, vice president of sales, west area for Mondelēz International, “You might actually be creating more risk for yourself.” When you stay inside your career comfort zone, you’ll forgo the types of roles and experiences that push you to strengthen your leadership skills and make a bigger impact in business. Risk-taking can also result in career-defining accomplishments to add to your resume.

And as Nora Denzel, interim CEO and member of the board of directors of Outerwall, says, “If you don’t take risks, you’ll always work for someone who does.”