Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

If you want something you've never had, then you have to do something you've never done!
Thomas Jefferson

by Skip Cohen
 
Whether you consider Sunday the start of a new week or the last day of the previous week, I love this time because I've made it all mine. My routine gets a little challenged with the two pups, but there's time for me to kick back, think about the past week and recharge for what's coming Monday.

​A few weeks ago I wrote about comfort zones. I guess the topic is still on my mind, because I'm back on it today. It's so important to creating a richer life.

At a time when so many of my friends have slowed down, I love this business too much to give anything up. The busier I am, the more I love it. The more I realize how much there still is to learn outside my comfort zone, the more energy I seem to have to explore and navigate a new path.
 
There's that old saying with age comes wisdom. In all honesty, the best thing that comes with age is more experiences. I'm learning every time I think "been there done that," I'm often wrong. So, for me, those shots at gaining wisdom come from taking more risks, stepping outside my comfort zone and exploring something new.

I've written a lot about Platypod lately from a business standpoint, it's a perfect example. Outside my comfort zone, I was part of a team who launched a new Kickstarter campaign, 2 1/2 weeks ago, now at over 1250 backers and growing. My point is that it gave me a better understanding of business, marketing, reach, and social media. Plus, a new network of associates, all with different skillsets.

Then there are the puppies - while comfort zones at home are all about being comfortable - I'm fortunate in having a partner, Sheila, who helped me shatter our comfort zone. Now, three months later, we're putting it back together. The puppies are starting to figure it out.

Each podcast I've done with Chamira Young has introduced me to another artist or educator. Each guest has stepped a little outside their comfort zone by agreeing to share their story with all of us. From Suzette Allen talking about hope; to Gareth Rockliffe finding a similarity between spirituality and stepping out of "P" mode; to Ken Hubbard shooting everything from landscapes to portraits in Tamron Recipes each artist is known for taking risks - ALL of them often outside their comfort zone.

And here's my point - Comfort zones are easy places to hang out. There's short term security in knowing something really well and not taking risks. But, you've got to get out of your comfort zone to keep discovering your potential. You've got to expand your circle of friends, your experiences and then often dive into what you might think are scary waters.​

The sooner you step away from your comfort zone, you'll realize it really wasn't all that comfortable.
Eddie Harris Jr.

​As photographers, you're surrounded by opportunities to do something different. Whether it's a class on something you've never done at an upcoming conference or exploring a new aspect of marketing and social media, take the time to think about everything you're doing now. You've got a never-ending choice of paths to follow, explore, and grow.

I hate it when I can't decide which quote to share, but here's one more:

We have to be honest about what we want and take risks,
rather than lie to ourselves and make excuses to stay in our comfort zone.
Roy T. Bennett

​Wishing everybody time to appreciate your comfort zone with family and friends, and then look at ways to step outside that zone and grow even more! Those eleven-second therapeutic hugs should go to those people you love the most and are closest to because they're always with you in and out of the zone!

​Happy Sunday, everybody!