I like having a plan. No, that’s not true. I LOVE having a plan. My husband says I even have a plan for getting up in the morning. True.
Not only do I LOVE having a plan. I’m really good at making plans. I have been an educator for over 20 years. When I was teaching, I always prided myself on having well-crafted lesson plans. As an administrator, my strategic planning was key in supporting my site in making record setting gains in academic achievement for students. In my coaching and consulting work, I have built a solid reputation of getting results because I am a master at strategizing, organizing, and planning.
Did I mention that planning is my “thing”? If I was to be completely transparent with you, the need for planning doesn’t come from a truly healthy place, though. The chaos and dysfunction of my childhood created in me a need for control and predictability which was best mastered through having a plan. So, while it has served me well professionally, the obsessive need for planning has not always been an ally in my personal life.
And for the first time in my life, I find myself without a plan
Few things during this season of my life are the way that I thought, and planned, for them to be. My family doesn’t look or function the way that I had planned. My current “work” isn’t what I had planned for it to be. Even my physical health isn’t going the way I had planned. I can’t even recall the last time a day went the way that I had planned.
Needless to say, I am completely out of my comfort zone. Yes. I am uncomfortable, out-of-sorts, awkward, and a bit tentative. However, on the flip side, I am also in many ways, much happier (I know that seems contradictory). I am lighter. I am more creative. I’m living with more excitement.
As I reflect on the changes in my life and within my self, I realize that while my comfort zone (& controlling behaviors)were quite cozy, they were also very limiting. My comfort zone was a beautiful place, but nothing extraordinary ever grew there.
I am sure that there are countless opportunities that I have missed because I wasn’t willing to experience discomfort. I also know that true success, the kind that ignites our true passions and that align with our purpose, comes when we are willing to step out of our comfort zone. I’ve taught that for years to my coachees and clients, now it’s time for me to actually live it out for myself.
Tomorrow I’m going to share 5 benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. These are things that I have gained over these past few months that I have been with a plan. I hope you’ll stop back by and check them out. I’ll be asking what benefits you have gained, as well.
But for today . . . I’d love to hear from you. Have you held on too tightly to planning and control in your life? In what areas do you feel called to step out of your cozy, comfy place? Or, if you have recently stepped out of your comfort zone, what was the result?
This totally resonates with me! I’m a planner too and “winging it” has definitely made me uncomfortable in the past. One year I made it my “theme” for the year to get comfortable with discomfort. And a big part of that was learning to be more flexible and go with the flow. It’s truly paid off and I’m a happier person for it. (And so is my husband!) LOL
kudos to you!! learning to be comfortable with discomfort is really a challenge. And like your, my husband is much happier now too! LOL
I love this! I had a friend who knew he needed to get out of his comfort zone. He said he thought “If you don’t leave your comfort zone than your comfort zone will leave you.” Those words have resonated since then.
I love that quote. Thanks for sharing!
What a great life lesson to share, the value of getting out of our comfort zones… and experiencing more creativity and joy in living outside the lines of control.
Planning is still nice, though… a little! 🙂
Outside of the lines of control . . . I love that. Yes, planning is still nice! Like I said, it’s my THING!! LOL
this is a great lesson for all of us to learn. i feel attitude also matters when it comes to going into area which we are not comfortable with.
Amar, that’s a good point. How we thing about the changes in our life, will greatly affect how we respond to them
in order to learn and grow we must step out of our comfort zone…But many people seem to be more than content in their bubble and never want to leave it.We have to be leaders and show them examples that they can do it and it will be ok 🙂 Great Article
Travis, I agree that leaders must model the way. We can’t ask those we supervise to extend themselves if we aren’t willing to do the same.
I’ve lived by seat of my pants for most of my life. What I do know is that when I have a plan in place, more gets done. I’m really looking forward to reading posts and learning from you!
Hi Kandas,
I still love making plans but I’m learning to not be controlled by them. I am definitely a list maker too. That keeps me focused throughout the day.
over the last 4 years I have really been pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I’m not where I want to be but looking back, I’m a lot further down the road. MAKES me happy.
Cynthia,
way to go!! life is a journey, it’s all about continuing to move forward!
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