This is something that has taken me awhile to latch onto. I’ve made tremendous progress throughout my life when getting out of my comfort zone. It’s just that most of the times; I’ve not gotten out of my comfort zone enough to really do the things that I know I want to do.
Since 2014 when I had both of my surgeries (knee replacement & back surgery), that was the first recent instance that has gotten me out of my comfort zone. I’ve had to make adjustments, to think differently, and start to realize the changes that I need to make in my life in many different areas. My physical and mental health has to improve along with my relationship health too; starting with my wife, kids, and family. There are many other relationships that I need to work on as well and I need to stop putting it off. These things are helping me to get out of my comfort zone in a big way.
I also got some help in 2016 by interviewing for two positions that I did not end up getting. The high school that I work at had an Assistant Principal job opening along with bringing back our Dean of Students position too. The entire process helped to give me so much confidence in that it made thing become very clear as to the direction I want to take my career and my life. I can honestly say without reservation that I’m at so much peace with the fact I didn’t get either of those 2 positions. First, the right candidates got them over me. They are the BETTER candidates that will help our school more than I could.
Second and more important, this process has given me the kick in my butt that I’ve tried to give myself over the years that I need to see my future and the direction I NEED to take it. As Les Brown has said – it’s hard to see outside the picture when I’m inside the frame. The time aspect has been a big part for me to connect with and understand; both from the parts that the new positions would have taken up more and different amounts of time along with that for me personally, time is running out as to things I want to (and need to) get done in my life.
So, as I begin to take these lessons and apply them to the things I need to work on, it gives me great energy and excitement for what’s to come. It pays big dividends to get out of our comfort zones, get a little scared and uncomfortable and then realize that you are not only okay for doing it, but that you are actually coming out better for going through it. I’m not sure if you have found the same results for getting out of your comfort zone and if you have not, you need to try it. There really is no sense to go through our lives living timid and being scared to work on things that are connected to our hearts. Life is supposed to be a learning & growing adventure. I’ve found that really only happens outside of the picture frame. Outside our comfort zone is the place to be for me, how about you?