We have so much we want to do and accomplish as leaders.

We dream, create, plan, review, plan some more, and tweak, tweak, tweak. Is this perfectionism or is this fear; and really, aren’t they both the same?

Sometimes, we stand behind all of these activities to legitimately stay busy. However, these activities keep us behind the computer. There comes a time (probably now) that we need to step out from behind the computer and into the world of personal interaction. When we step out, then, we can really leave impressions teaching, helping, and leading with those we met.

Breaking out of our comfort zones may be different strategies for different people. For some of us we may need to just jump in water, or we may dive into the deep end, and for some of us, we may just put one toe at a time into the water. The key is to have some movement toward your goal. Success, transformation, and the magic is just outside of our comfort zone.

Our movement outside of our comfort zone can start small. One of my clients began this move out of her comfort zone just by taking a different route to work and sitting in a different chair each time she met in the conference room.

Here are some strategies to break through your comfort zone barrier:

• Try something new (food, book topic, or music)

• Attend a lecture or presentation on a topic you know nothing about (I did this recently and was fascinated with the learning)

• Identify your habits and look at those habitual behaviors with fresh eyes to uncover the expiration date

• Find a buddy or accountability partner – maybe even take on this project together for support

• Be honest, loving, and patient with yourself as you embark on this journey

OK, here is the challenge: Challenge yourself to commit to one activity outside your comfort zone each day for 21 days and watch your world change, and open before you.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your wins of moving outside your comfort zone so we can celebrate!

With love,

Maria