Stop Searching for Greatness in Your Comfort Zone

Everything you are searching for is on the other side of your comfort zone.

Most of us dream of success; for some, that means having more time and freedom; for others, it means a promotion and a corner office. Regardless of how you define success, one thing is for sure: you won't find it in your comfort zone. You won't get abs from sitting in your comfy recliner watching your favorite show, and no reasonable person would expect to. However, often, we need to apply that same logic to our professional goals. We aspire for more yet fail to take the required actions to turn those dreams into goals and those goals into action. 

Four Steps Towards Your Goals

Embrace a Growth Mindset: When faced with an intimidating target, going into fight or flight mode is natural. Our bodies are wired to keep us safe. This is great when in high-risk situations; however, when it comes to positive changes and challenges, our instincts sometimes can work against us. When you think "I can't," challenge your internal self-talk and instead think, "I can learn." You can learn new skills and grow professionally. It's true, depending on what you are trying to learn, it may be harder for you than the next person, but remember, you are not in competition with anyone but yourself. You can lean on colleagues, mentors, or even the internet to get guidance on developing your skills. I remember when we had to take trips to the public library to find books on fixing the sink or the hidden air filter in the car cabin. Today, we have resources at our fingertips! With dedication and effort, you can excel in unfamiliar territory.

Be Proactive: There was a time when "paying your dues" was how you advanced professionally. You moved up the ladder one rung at a time, often when the person ahead of you retired. There is something to be said about gaining experience through time in a seat, and I am not suggesting that there isn't value in tenure. You can accelerate your success by proactively identifying your professional gaps and seeking to improve. Working with a career coach is a great way to objectively identify your opportunities for improvement and obtain the resources needed to close the gaps. 

Accept Mistakes and Learning Opportunities: Recognize and accept that making mistakes is part of being human. When learning something new, it is normal to not be good at it. It is common to make mistakes. The great news is that much like our bodies are designed to keep us safe, they are also designed to help us improve and change habits. We can create new neural pathways, which allow us to get great at tasks we have done multiple times - like driving home. We often refer to this as doing something on auto-pilot. When you make a mistake, look at it as getting one step closer to mastering the task. When something goes wrong, don't dwell on it. Instead, ask yourself, "What can be learned from this"? Lastly, learn from it! 

Take Consistent Action: Much like going to the gym, you won't see results if you only commit to it once a year. Set your growth plan, outline the actions you are going to take and hold yourself accountable. If you are not taking consistent steps towards your goals, they are simply dreams! 

Remember, stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new projects, even with uncertain skills, is a powerful way to make yourself known and advance your career. Embrace the challenge, commit to learning, and seize the opportunity to shine. With perseverance and a growth mindset, you'll pave the way for remarkable achievements and create a lasting impression. Let your potential soar and unlock a world of possibilities!

"Leaders aren't born, they are made" - Vince Lombardi