Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Stepping out of your comfort zone

Many people like to live life in a safe little box.  They go through life doing the same things everyday, never making many changes or taking on new challenges.  They are comfortable, and they are scared to take a step outside of that zone.  Why?  I'm guessing its fear.  Fear is such a huge driver in our life.  It is the reason you didn't set a goal higher than you though you could achieve.  It was the reason you didn't apply for that job you were slightly unqualified for.  It may have been the reason you didn't make a new friend.  It is fear of the unknown.  Fear of failure.  Fear of embarrassment.   Why should we live life in fear?  And possibly miss out on experiences or opportunities?  We shouldn't.  It is so hard to step out of your comfort zone.  I know that.  I am definitely guilty of staying in my "comfort zone" in lots of situations.  A new goal of mine is to step outside of that box a little more often.  And I'm going to challenge you to do the same.  You don't have to go crazy.  Just set a new goal, that you know you will have to work your ass of to reach, or apply for your dream job, or maybe just approach a new person, lift a heavier weight, maybe even just trying a new food.  You get the point.  Whats the worse that could happen?  You may not meet that goal, or you may not get that job.  And then you will pick yourself up, and you will try again next time.  You will realize you are stronger than you think you are, and you will gain self esteem.  I am terrified about marathon training.  I am terrified I won't meet my goal.  I'm still going to do it though, and I'm still going to give it my all.  And as much as I don't want to tell you my time goal because I am afraid of failure, I am going to.  Why?  Because it will push me harder.  So here it is, my goal is to run my FIRST marathon, and to run it in sub 3:35 and qualify for Boston.  And if for some reason I don't get it, I'm going to try again.

I'm going to share instances of stepping out of the box on a regular basis, and hold myself accountable to doing it.  Are you going to join me?

Do you feel like you step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis?  Will you join me in making an effort to do it if you don't already?  What will be your first small goal?

4 comments:

  1. Love it! You set yourself an awesome goal.
    My goal is to go out and get those damn clip shoes/pedals for my bike already and learn how to use them. Who cares if I fall? (Well I kinda do) BTDT anyway. Great post!

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  2. i think its so important to step outside your comfort zone! i've been doing that in little bits here and there, but i think its important to make some small and some big goals and post them so that you're constantly reminded of them and you keep yourself accountable. i think your marathon goal is great and i think you will definitely be able to do that - you're a speed demon!! :)

    my current goal isn't running related - i want to figure out what i really want to do with my life...i'm not happy at my job and i've been there for a few years bc the pay is pretty good and its comfortable, but i need to try out some different things and figure out what really drives me!

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  3. Good luck meeting your goal! I have really tried to speak up more at work. I only work three days a week so issues don't bother me as much as they bother the full time people. i usually just let them handle things their way, but lately I have been working on speaking out more when I don't agree

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  4. Wow, that's awesome! Good luck with your training and your BQ marathon! My current goal is to stop fearing strength training and to start eating for fuel rather than comfort. So far it's hard, but going well.

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