What does stepping out of your comfort zone look and feel like to you?
I was recently asked to record my answer to the following question… “ If I could tell you one thing, what would it be.”
I immediately knew what my answer would be because it is exactly what I’ve been re-training myself to do over the last 6 years…step out of your comfort zone!
Why is stepping out of your comfort zone so important and why do I encourage all clients I work with to do so.
I believe when we challenge ourselves to do something that is outside our comfort zone we grow.
We may not always enjoy it, but we will learn something about ourselves from it.
From a young age I chose to step out of my comfort zone in many ways and then I feel that in-between having children and the start of my premature menopause the anxiety and overwhelm was all consuming and my ability to do so got lost.
6 years ago, it was re-ignited, and it was down to me taking some time to really work on myself. I’d struggled to spend time in my own company and let’s face it, the opportunity to do so with a young family was rare. I needed to get to know myself again and I needed to sit with my own thoughts and feelings. It was time to start enjoying my own company.
So… my first challenge was to go for a solo walk around a local lake and sit in the café and have a cup of tea on my own. I remember it clearly. I drank the tea, and I ate the cake and then I left. I was pleased with myself for completing the challenge and the spark had been ignited and the challenges continued.
When I’m working with individuals, I encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and so many have never considered sitting in a café on their own. When I suggest it their first reaction is “But won’t everyone look at me and think I’ve got no friends?” I ask them to consider if that is what they think of individuals sat on their own in a café and of course they don’t. Their spark is now ignited.
Stepping out of my comfort zone is a constant in my work and home life. Whether it is delivering new presentations or travelling solo I know that it is a constant for me because every time I step out of my comfort zone, I get to know myself that little bit more.
This weekend was a new step for me. I’d finally booked my (2-year-old) gift voucher to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery for a tour and gin cocktail making experience. Yes, I could have paid for my husband (and taxi) to join me, but I’ll be honest and say I didn’t want to spend the money and anyway he doesn’t drink gin!
“Are you not bothered about going on your own?” a friend asked. “No” I said, and I’ll take this as a completed out of comfort zone challenge on my own 8-Week Personal Positive Plan!
I get dropped off and its then that I realise I really am on my own and I am out of my comfort zone. There were 9 in our tour group, all were in pairs, and I was solo. I sat with this realisation whilst everyone arrived and simply thought to myself that I would embrace the experience and gain an understanding of what it is like to be solo but still do things you want to do.
Well… let’s just say gin creates conversation!! After about 10 shots in a variety of cocktails there was no fear of being solo or out of my comfort zone and just great fun!
When you step out of your comfort zone you also inspire others. However, I’m not sure my husband was inspired by me when he collected me from the bar, but he was pleased I had a great time!!
What can you do to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone? It doesn’t need to be big. For some it will be stepping out of the front door. Whatever it is for you, I encourage you to do it and see the magic happen!
