| Steppin’ Out
Phil Keoghan is a big proponent of leaving your comfort zone and facing your fears. Who’s Phil? He’s the host of “The Amazing Race”, one of my favorite TV programs. As I sit and watch, in the comfort of my own home, I visualize myself on the program, stepping out of my zone and completing each task fearlessly as I race to the finish line. Yea, right! Seriously, this TV program really makes me aware of the limitations we put on ourselves (myself included) and causes me to ponder what it would take to get out of our comfort zones.
So, stand in the middle of a room, draw a circle around yourself, and label it “My Comfort Zone”. You decide how large to make it. Outside the circle lies new adventures, rewards, and unchartered waters. Call it “My Uncomfortable Zone and Soon To Be Part of My Expanded Comfort Zone”. The name of the game is to get your feet out of the inner circle and into the outer zone.
What keeps your feet glued to the floor of your Comfort Zone?
• You want to remain safe and satisfy your need for security.
• You lack the self-confidence to make a move. You tell yourself “Oh, I can never do that”.
• You tell yourself that it’s not so bad where you are and believe it.
• You settle for less.
• You fear failure if you step out.
• You fear being judged, rejected, or humiliated if you stretch yourself.
• You fear the success that could come your way.
• You have a need for certainty in your life and don’t like surprises. If you keep on doing the same things in your life, you will keep on getting the same things.
• You tell yourself you are not smart enough to make a move.
• You are unwilling to accept the negative consequences that might come your way.
• There are too many excuses in your life. "Yes, but….." is your motto.
• You are unable to take the bull by the horns and “just do it”.
Your feet are glued to the floor, yet you want to go out and set the world on fire. You’re tired of living small and are ready to expand the circle of your Comfort Zone. How can you loosen up the glue and begin to step out?
• Focus on what it is you want to happen, and quit focusing on your insecurities. What you focus on is what you get, so visualize your achievements as though they are occurring today. Keep this picture in mind every time that negative voice in your head starts speaking. Believe that you already have what you want, are doing what you want to do, and are being the person you want to be.
• Take small steps. Complete a 5K run, then train for a half marathon, and then go for the marathon. Perhaps a triathlon is next. Each task completed expands your Comfort Zone circle. If you are afraid of public speaking, yet want to speak more, join Toastmasters, give 10 minute presentations at Rotary, then move up to a half hour talk, and so on. It will become easier each time.
• Keep your desire on fire and you will find this an inspiring motivator.
• Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging people who believe in you.
• Create affirmations and keep them positive and specific. Start with “I can……”, or “I am…..”. Recite these 3x a day, morning, noon, and bedtime. Actually visualize yourself and feel your emotions as you live the affirmation. Write the affirmations on index cards and place them in strategic places. You can even record them onto an MP3 player and listen to them throughout the day. Place them on the home page of your computer. Keep your affirmations front and center.
• Learn from your missteps. Do not allow your mistakes to stop you dead in your tracks. Try again or change direction if you need to.
• It is normal to feel the fear. Walk through it to the other side.
• Change your behavior and do something different, even if it is a small change.
• Be honest with yourself and admit that you are tired of playing it safe.
• Acknowledge to yourself that you want more out of life.
• Ask yourself these questions. “What will my life be like if I continue to play it small? “What will my life be like if I step out of my Comfort Zone?”
I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Lift your feet out of the glue and give them a chance to take you where you want to go. When will you start?
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