Last month I almost fell in front of a group of 60 people. I was quite the spectacle with my wobbly legs and reaching hands. When I was up, I put my hands straight in the air as if to say, Yes! I’m the champion. And I received a bit of applause. Nope, I wasn’t even embarrassed a little bit. That’s weird, right? In fact, it’s pretty hard for me to make a fool of myself and feel embarrassed. Why?
It’s simple: I get out of my comfort zone regularly. Often I will say to myself, “No, I can’t do that” and then I do it anyway. Here is a list of just a few things that come to mind: I ask strangers if they are following me when I see them over again in the grocery store, I go to events where I don’t know anyone, I politely ask questions like, “What are you going to do for me?” when I’m an unhappy customer, I go to an unfamiliar place where I am the minority and I’m not afraid to ask “stupid” questions.
My life changed when this became my practice. Things weren’t so scary and good things began to happen when I wasn’t afraid of looking stupid anymore. A few things flourished right away: my stress became much lower, my confidence much higher, my health much better and my ability to take a risk and reap the rewards soared.
People often say, “I can’t believe you just said that.” And, it’s not in a way to mean, oh my gosh, you are a terrible person. It’s more to say, you are brave. And, I have become brave. I’m done living my life scared and afraid to take chances. (Yes, I’m still scared to jump out of a plane!)
If you are ready to make a change, start with this one thing. Get out of your comfort zone today.
