calculated leaps of faith

At first glance, I thought this phrase seemed contradictory. But if you consider it for a while, you'll find it actually describes a nuanced approach to decision making.

• Calculated refers to an action that is taken with careful thought, planning, and analysis of risks. When you calculate, you use data to find some level of predictability over an outcome.
• Leaps of faith refer to actions taken with trust in the absence of complete evidence or certainty. When you take a leap of faith, you willingly proceed despite not having a gurantee about the outcome.

In isolation, these concepts seem to oppose one another: calculation means reducing uncertainty through analysis, while a leap of faith accepts uncertainty as a condition of moving forward.

However, taking a calculated leap of faith means that you engage in thorough analysis and preparation to uncover and mitigate risks as much as possible, but ultimately recognise that not everything can be controlled.

You are willing to move forward based on the belief that the potential benefits outweigh the risks or that an action is aligned with your values and/or goals, even if the outcome is not guaranteed.