Random Wisdom (or DUH)

Most people tend to live and act well within their comfort zone. It’s a natural thing. There may be plenty of moments when you would like act in a way that’s outside your comfort zone, but it’s hard to do. Anything that’s outside your comfort zone will by definition make you uncomfortable. It will bring fear and insecurity, and that holds you back. But leaving your comfort zone is also the only way to grow as a person.

One of my strategies to deal with situations where I would like to do something that is “beyond me” is playing the What If game. I take a piece of paper and I write down between 3 and 5 what-if questions. These questions should challenge my beliefs about the situation. A few examples:

• What if I would quote my premium price, even at the risk of losing the assignment?
• What if I would ask help publicly, because my business is in trouble?
• What if I handled this meeting like Steve Jobs?
• What if this was just a course assignment?

You should first find out what is holding you back and where the discomfort starts. Then, with your questions, challenge exactly that. Answer the questions on paper or in your mind and try to feel what it does to you. Is it really that uncomfortable or is it something that you can overcome?

Using these What If questions, you can practise leaving your comfort zone. The more you do this, the more you will feel at ease to actually leave your comfort zone now and then. If nothing else, it will make you aware of your boundaries and that’s a good starting point for growth.