The Comfort Zone
No one likes to move beyond their comfort zone, but as the saying goes, that’s where the magic happens. It’s where we can grow, learn, and develop in a way that expands our horizons beyond what we thought was possible. Also its terrifying! But all of us confront tasks at work that force us outside our comfort zone. It could be giving negative feedback, or promoting ourselves, or speaking up, or networking. The list of uncomfortable but necessary tasks is long and unfortunately quite challenging but no one accomplished substantial goals without confronting them.
“A ship is always safe at the shore but that is not what it is built for.”
Albert Einstein
I remember reading a book about a man who was known by many as BIG DAVE but his real name is David Staughton and he was from Melbourne, Australia. He was sharing his story about his 12 days business partnership with his father who was also a business man himself. During his teen years and on to his early 20’s he would earn money while working for him in his tearoom and function venue in the Dandenong Ranges. He was passionate about one day having a business of his own and that dream came true with a little financial help from his parents. The plan was he’s dad to master the ceremonies and he will work behind the scenes because he was not so much of a ‘people’ person. The father and son both had very strong ideas on how things should be done, so it was inevitable that their partnership will not last very long. But he did go on to say that one thing good came out of their 12 days partnership, he was forced to remove his kitchen apron and step into the spotlight – to be the front man, to be the MC. With each function and presentation his confidence improved and now he is on the speakers’ conference circuit. It just goes to show what regularly stepping outside your comfort zone can do.
“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
As we grow and learn and advance in our businesses, in our jobs and in our careers, we’re constantly faced with situations where we need to adapt and adjust our behaviour. It’s simply a reality of the world in today. And without the skill and courage to take the leap, we can miss out on important opportunities for advancement.
Taking steps out of your comfort zone is pivotal for your own evolution and growth. You cannot become a bigger and better version of yourself unless you are willing to stretch beyond what you really know.
As for me right now I am on the LEARNING ZONE and everyday I learn something different about myself, how to deal with problems and acquiring new skills and I love it. For the first time in a very long time I feel confident and I don’t feel stuck anymore. Therefore, I would encourage you to try stepping out of your comfort zone and do something different for a change, you might just find something interesting about yourself, a hidden strength or skill that you never knew was there in the first place.
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