I continue to be amazed how much we under-estimate what we are capable of. Back to the late 90’s, there were several events that resulted in a serious decline in my self esteem. Being laid off three years ago was the push I needed to fly or crawl. I flew.
Well, actually, I didn’t think of it as flying, I just took one step in the direction of my dream–hoping that I wasn’t off my rocker. Could I really become a life coach? I wasn’t sure, but after thinking about it for ten years, and no job to hold me back, I was at least going to give it a “go.”
So here I am now, continuing to stretch my wings. Now–going outside my comfort zone is my new normal. Once I accomplished a few of the goals I had established, I knew I was capable of more. I know when I approach something new, while it may seem over-whelming, I just do something fairly small and it raises my confidence enough to take another step.
Unfortunately, many people remain frozen in place. The comfort of their box is too cozy. Cheri Britton, local speaker and coach, calls it our velvet rut. Sometimes we have to be pushed like I was with being fired; sometimes it’s another low point that throws you to your knees. Our biggest growth often comes from those events that are negative, stressful or unpleasant.
There has never been a want for something new to learn when starting a business. As my coach tells me, there is no “there.” There is always a continuing list of things to aim for and strive for.
How do you handle your stretch goals?
