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Stretching Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Marilyn Orr
As I write this I’m about to be the attendee at a conference that is in a related field but not my official field of coaching.
So?
It has me feeling two things that I think are worth contemplating.
First, as an extrovert I’m excited to meet hundreds of strangers. Enjoying that aspect of this may not apply to you. However, getting to hang out with people that are not our normal “tribe” allows us to hear new ideas, see the world from a different perspective and gain new skills.
The second thing I’m feeling is nervous. I don’t speak this profession’s language. I don’t have their credentials nor do I want them. I’m not sure if there will be an “in group” and I will obviously not be welcome.
All of this makes for the very real possibility that the experience will be challenging and that I can grow not just in knowledge but in emotional maturity.
Throughout the stretching experience I will have many opportunities to check in on my self-talk.
- I might feel like I’m being judged - I’m going to tell myself what I bring to the world is awesome and enough
- I could feel disconnected since I don’t know people - I’m going to look for someone else on their own and introduce myself
- Perhaps there will be negative comments about my profession - if so I will choose to speak up if appropriate and do so kindly
- Since my life is usually lived on the ranch I haven’t focused on my dress up wardrobe lately and may feel self-conscious - I’m going to tell myself that my inner beauty needs to shine brightly, that matters more
Trust me, I could go on.
So what’s the point?
Our best growth usually happens where we are getting stretched. If I keep lifting 5 pound weights for my bicep curls I will not be growing my biceps.
When we stay in our comfort zone we get really good at doing what we have already been doing but not much more.
What would some stretch learning look like for you?
Where could you put yourself to be a bit uncomfortable but really poised to learn some great things and transform yourself a bit?
Well, here I go to my adventure!
What is yours going to be?
Marilyn
Marilyn Orr, CEC, PCC is a Leadership and Mentor Coach with Capacity Building Coaching , and Training Partner on EQi 2.0 with MHS. Marilyn provides professional coaching for executives and business leaders, mentor coaching for coaches, and leadership development support in the form of coaching skills training , soft-skills development, facilitation of key discussions and team coaching. Reach Out to Marilyn for more information.
Marilyn is published author of everyday resiliency workbook How Absorbent Are Your Shocks? , and is leading a workshop on developing emotional resiliency at the upcoming Fierce Self-Compassion: Unplug Your Inner Critic event at The Cedars Ranch in the Texas Hill Country this April, 2019.
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