Nov 22 2008
Pushing ourselves
When was the last time you really pushed yourself to do something difficult? Something you hadn’t done before? Something that maybe even scared you just a little?
It’s far too easy to become complacent with our lives and stay within our comfortable safety zone. Maybe you walk the same 2-3 mile route every day. Or you go to the gym and do the same exercise routine. Or you really would like to try out a vegetarian diet but can’t get out of your meat-eating routine.
Here’s an idea: set a date and push yourself out of your familiar safety zone. Pick a realistic goal, something that’s a bit beyond what you normally do, but not so crazy that you’re going to hurt yourself trying.
Here’s a personal example: Suzanne, Fern and I joined a Master’s Swimming group in Bennington. We can all swim, but this is definitely out of our comfort zones. We’re learning flip turns, which for me involve quite a lot of water in my nose, ears, sinuses, and other unpleasant places that leave me coughing and gagging. But you know what? I’m getting it! Even better, it’s fun and I feel a true sense of accomplishment at the end of every swim session.
Another story: Marie ate an overall healthy diet, but decided to take it up a notch after a heart attack. She’s feeling even better than before the heart attack, has dropped weight and dress size(s) and her zest for life has zoomed to new heights. All because she decided that eating sweets and foods with saturated fat just aren’t as important as feeling great. She pushed out of her comfort zone, took a risk, and celebrates each day of her full and exciting life.
What are you going to do to step out of your comfort zone? Let us know and we’ll support you all the way. If you need some help, contact me for a few coaching sessions to help you establish goals, develop a game plan to make those goals a reality, and celebrate your success.
Quote for today: “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible”
Anthony Robbins