By Leslie Sturgeon
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Everything we want in life is just outside our comfort zone.” Well I’m here to tell you, my friends, it’s the truth!
A former shy girl, I didn’t believe being daring and uncomfortable could possibly lead me to monumental breakthroughs, but rather… more despair. It all began one toe at a time – then an occasional leap with both feet – out of my comfortable cocoon. Through a desire to create an amazing life combined with bold moves out of my comfort zone, my life has completely changed.
Think about this: when we keep doing the same thing repeatedly – and staying in our comfort zone – it keeps us from living a fulfilling life, from growing as a person. It keeps us in the same jobs, in the same relationships, and just stagnant. It becomes a safe haven where we settle for less and become a hostage to procrastination. You cannot get different results by doing the same thing over and over again. Plain and simple. Our negative thoughts and questioning the “what if’s” are always much worse than actually taking the step.
How do you kick-start your personal growth and venture into uncharted territories? You can begin by reflecting on your personal and professional goals and all that you hope to achieve in life. Identify what is holding you back: be very clear about what would have to change in your life, i.e., developing the ability to talk to others with ease, enhancing your sales skills, speaking up with confidence, understanding your value in the world, overcoming the fear of rejection, etc. For example, I knew I needed to develop my leadership skills. Community service was one activity that helped me to do so. Map out a course of action that requires you to work on these areas on a weekly basis.
Most importantly, make the commitment to do the work every week, no matter how many times you stumble. Expect more of yourself and stretch more than you ever have. You’ll want to retreat back to your comfort zone, but recommit and get back out there. Eventually you will embrace change and be eager to make constant improvements. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing today that scares you.” Eleanor was a wise woman!
To ensure I’m growing as a person and a professional, I have my “ultimate list.” For example, I ask myself:
What would be the ultimate avenue for growth for my organization?
Who would be the ultimate mentor?
What would be the ultimate stretch for me?
Then I determine what I would need to do or overcome to make that dream a reality. It’s my way of carrying out Walt Disney’s theory that “if you can dream it, you can do it.” I also look to those around me for feedback, asking them to help me identify areas that need improvement. (You have to be ready to hear the information without being defensive.)
A new and refreshing frontier awaits you. Just do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Every single day, every single week – stretch yourself, get uncomfortable, celebrate your successes, reflect on how much you have grown, but recognize the best is yet to come as you continue to get out of your comfort zone.
I speak from experience, having been a very shy young woman and now being in a place where my work is my life’s passion. My favorite quote is “she followed her heart and it made all the difference.” When you believe in yourself, dare to stretch, and are honest with and true to yourself, anything is possible.
You may encounter resistance from some of those around you: they will see you growing and changing and may feel like you’re leaving them in the dust. Try to bring them along with you if you can, but don’t allow them to keep you from growing. I made the decision to distance myself from dream stealers, naysayers and negative people. Eliminating those difficult – and sometimes toxic – relationships had a huge impact on my life.
You owe it to yourself to create the most amazing life possible, one where you embrace change and are constantly improving. A happier, healthier, braver you is a gift to the world. The magic happens when you dare to leap.
Leslie Sturgeon kicked her life’s journey into overdrive when she was 22 years old. At that time she founded Office Options, a secretarial, office support and association management company. Finding great strength in being around other women, Leslie launched Women Inspiring Women in May 2007 so super cool chicks could get together to support each other with their goals, dreams, challenges and journeys.
Leslie has rapidly grown Women Inspiring Women and it is now recognized as the largest organization in NH for women’s empowerment, personal development and networking. She has received two citations from the Governor of New Hampshire, two commendations from the NH Senate, been recognized as NH’s 2009 “Women in Business Champion” for the U.S. Small Business Administration and as one of six “Outstanding Women in Business” for 2010 by the NH Business Review.
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