In a recent gathering with a group of speaker colleagues, we engaged in a fun storytelling exercise. We were each given our own unique prompt to which we had to respond in the moment with a 90 second story. My prompt was “Tell us about a time when you were out of your comfort zone.”

How often do you step out of your Comfort Zone?

If you’re like me, stepping out of my comfort zone has happened to me throughout my entire life. And when I reflected on that, I was incredibly grateful. I know that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. In the past, I may have judged myself as the many different opportunities for me to share in my 90 second story popped up into my head. However, what I noticed at the gathering, was that I embraced how many options I could share with the group.

The story I did share was related to the work I do. The topic focused on a time I was working with an executive team for the first time. I had prepared slides to walk us through our 3-hours together, and the technology failed to work. I was already outside of my comfort zone, because it was a “first”, and I had spent weeks preparing. I was faced with needing to let go of the crutch, or comfort and safety of having slides. Though I was nervous, the team members found our time together to be:

• Informative
• Interactive
• Fun

And they walked away with numerous learnings/takeaways and actions to follow-through with.

The feedback I received was all positive.

Paying Attention to the Learning

What resulted was embracing that having “perfect slides” is not what drives the outcome. A few things that were important in driving the positive outcome that day were:

• Being prepared, knowledgeable and capable,
• Embracing whatever came my way
• Showing up as my best, authentic self

What is resonant, is that clients may appreciate the slides, but what’s more important to them is that they walk away with new ideas, new inspiration, and connection not only with their peers but with me. Perhaps letting go of the slides allowed for even deeper connection with me.

What do you notice when you step out of your comfort zone?

Are you or your team at a point where you are looking to grow and develop further? Want someone who will inspire you to explore new challenges and to break out of your comfort zone? I support individuals, teams and organizations to increase their effectiveness and drive optimal business results. Let’s connect.

“True self-discovery begins where your comfort zone ends.” – Adam Braun