Complacency is something that afflicts so many people. Whether we get stuck doing the same old routine, doing things how we’ve always done them, or we are just way too comfortable, many struggle with shaking things up. These same people often struggle with change that is happening around them. To be more resilient, everyone needs to focus efforts in stepping outside of their comfort zone.
The Best Leaders Learn
I talk a lot about leadership in a lot of the content that I produce. One of the quotes that you will often see paraphrased is that the best leaders are learners. Whether it’s reading books, watching videos, consuming content such as these blogs, or hearing people speak at conferences, those who are leaders develop themselves. Personal development is about pushing yourself beyond your boundaries and stepping outside of your comfort zone to try new things.
Staying in Your Lane & Self-Awareness
The only way to actually know whether you like something is to try it. To be more self-aware, you need to understand what you like and dislike. You’re going to need to sometimes step outside of your comfort zone. Try new activities to see if that is something that you want to continue to do.
Try New Things to Learn What You Like & Hate
Last summer, I spent many weekends with my wife hiking around the city where we live. I’ve never been a nature guy, or at least I never thought that I would enjoy hiking. From a young age, my preference has always been to be indoors. Hiking never appealed to me. I always avoided the opportunity to go hiking. But when my wife got me outside, and we started exploring different trails around the city, I became more fascinated with the idea of enjoying the outdoors. Exploring different types of terrain, admiring the beauty of nature was both relaxing and inspiring. Escaping outside also helped me come up with more ideas and be more creative as well.
Being Uncomfortable is Good
It’s sometimes really good if you are uncomfortable. Sometimes you need to see a different perspective or to try something new to learn, whether that is something that you want to continue to do going forward. It’s like working out and exercising. The harder you push, the more weights you lift, the more your muscles grow and expand. You might feel some pain and discomfort in the hours and days following a workout, but you will eventually see results if you keep at it.
Final Thought
Step outside your comfort zone, and you will be exposed to more situations, people, and opportunities than you ever thought possible. Who knows, you might find a new activity that you really enjoy and love or a career that you never thought possible. For a regular dose of advice, tips, and tricks, follow me or my podcast, The Chris Hanna Show on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more. Let’s connect.
