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I stole that from one of my favorite bloggers- Franki Durbin of life in a venti cup.
Once a year she commits to a life tune-up because she “genuinely believes you have to design the life you want.”
Think about that for a second…so simple, but so true.
In a recent post, she invited her readers to join. It is a seven day process filled with inspiring tips and guidelines that you can adjust to match your own life. I highly suggest you read each tip, if you’re going through a lull in your life, your confidence or your job, or even if you feel like you just need to mix things up. I am going to try next week.
The part about doing something that scares you every day really stood out for me because it has been those times that I have made the most incredible experiences, for myself.
I was horrified to leave my family and friends and move to Philadelphia for college and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. I was able to experience a whole new city, I made the best friends in the world and of course, I was able to be a mere 20 minute train ride from Mike instead of 6.
When I left to study abroad in Ireland for a semester in college, it was the first time I ever needed a passport- instead of taking traveling abroad slow, I chose to dive right in. It was scary getting on that plane, but I did it and I would never take it back.
Those are a few big examples. But, to get to the heart of Franki’s point - doing something that scares you every day - it is always good to start with the little things.
The first time I went to the movies alone, which sadly enough wasn’t too long ago, I was nervous. There is something about an experience, traditionally designed to occur in a couple or a group, that when done solo makes it exciting. Does that make sense?
My first ever blogger meetup was kind of exhilarating. That sounds weird, but let me explain. You walk into a bar alone expecting to meet people you have never really met. You don’t know what everyone looks like, you hope that you find a group that looks like they could be bloggers and that when you approach them, they actually are so you don’t look like an idiot. If you are as neurotic as me, before entering the thought crosses your mind that this was one big joke and that you are going to walk in there alone and no one will be there or ever speak of it again.
That was dramatic- but things like that aren’t anymore for me, because I’ve done them. And next week, when I make a concerted effort to take scary risks, both big and small, I know I will be chipping away at any reservations that block my adventurous side.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you that was a direct result of stepping out of your comfort zone?
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Comments
06.12.09
I agree with stepping out as well, I know I need to do it but struggle at the same time. The best thing for me would be having children. I was used to everything being about me and not it is all about them and I would not trade it for anything.
06.12.09
Love this post. I'm a big believe in doing things that scare you to help you grow. Now the question is, what should I do today?
06.12.09
Thanks for putting into words what many people, myself included, have probably felt at some point.
I'm a fan of stepping out of comfort zones. College is great for that because in a lot of ways, it's designed for that. I think it's important not to lose the motivation to seek out scary new things to try after leaving campus.
06.12.09
There are many (really positive) things that I've experienced from stepping outside of my comfort zone. In general though, the best part was the surprise that I felt. It usually never went how I thought it was going to go and that element of surprise and feeling a little scared, is so exhilarating.
I think I'm an adventurous risk junkie, and whenever I step outside of my comfort zone I am humbled and then excited. Thanks for sharing!
06.12.09
Great post! I am a strong proponent of "lifelong learning" and pushing yourself to do something that scares you is one of the best ways to keep exercising your brain.
Thank you for the inspiration, I am going to try to do 2 things that scare me today!
Joe Lavelle http://www.ActAsIfBlog.com
06.12.09
I "stepped out" by moving to Hawaii for a few months when I was in college. It is there that I met my wife.
06.12.09
hmmm...I do something different everyday and it always ends up being "expensive" for me. That scares me!
06.12.09
Love this post.
Calculated risks are important to growth. you just never know!
My scary thing today: not having a second cup of coffee. No wait. That scares other people :)
06.12.09
Did that for a year. 1971 was not a banner year for me in Vietnam, since I was not only scared to death every day, but I was the only one of my circle of friends who went that year to come home alive.
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06.12.09
Thanks for all of your inspiring examples and kind words :) It's so cool how there is one underlying idea that we can all relate to, despite so many drastically different experiences!
06.12.09
Do something that scares me...like skydiving? :)
http://diamondkt.blogspot.com/2009/06/jumpif-you-can-write-your-own-suic...
06.13.09
David,
Been there, done that. Try it when people are shooting up at you with murderous intent. Operation Urgent Fury, 25 October 1983.
06.13.09
Love this post!
It's so awesome to look back on those experiences where you have stepped out of your comfort zone and the results and opportunities that happened.
This post is a very inspiring reminder of the benefits and thrill of doing "scary" things:)
Thank you, Susan!
06.14.09
The quote "Do something everyday tht scares you" is from Eleanor Roosevelt. She also said, "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
She lived October 11, 1884–November 7, 1962 and was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945.
Some wisdom and inspiration transcends generations.
06.20.09
Great post. The best part of this is that even if you don't like what you try, you'll have learned something about yourself.
The biggest thing I did that scared was to step out on a stage and perform stand-up. It's been a passion of mine ever since.
06.21.09
That is such a good point Drew!
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