by Karen Matz
A few weeks ago Russ and I went on 20-mile bike ride. While we were riding, Russ said, “Karen, can I ask you a question?” Believe it or not he is able to hold a conversation riding a bike. He went on to ask, “So are you ready to really step outside your comfort zone?” Now when Russ asks a question like this, it is his polite way of asking you to do something outrageous. My immediate thought was “Oh good God what is going to ask me to do? Jump out of plane, climb a rocky mountain, deep sea dive with sharks?” I gulped and with hesitation said “Sure?”
A few weeks ago Russ and I went on 20-mile bike ride. While we were riding, Russ said, “Karen, can I ask you a question?” Believe it or not he is able to hold a conversation riding a bike. He went on to ask, “So are you ready to really step outside your comfort zone?” Now when Russ asks a question like this, it is his polite way of asking you to do something outrageous. My immediate thought was “Oh good God what is going to ask me to do? Jump out of plane, climb a rocky mountain, deep sea dive with sharks?” I gulped and with hesitation said “Sure?”
He replied, “I want you to start writing a weekly blog posts.” “What a relief”, I thought, “that’s it? Really? No risking my life? Yeah, I can do that!!!” A few moments passed as I started to process what he just asked of me. “Wait? What is it you want me to do? Write a what? Me? Write? No, I can’t do that! Are you sure you don’t want me to jump out of a plane, swim with the sharks? I might be more comfortable with the sharks.”
You see, I have a lot of self doubt when it comes to things that this. When I was growing up I struggled in school, failing English 3 times! It wasn’t until college that it was discovered that I had learning disabilities. I labeled myself as not being smart, not capable of writing, not a good test taker, etc. As turns out, these thoughts were my limiting beliefs. They were only true because I made them true. I allowed them to be true. Once I started to discover what I COULD do, a whole new world opened up to me!
So when Russ asked me to write this blog, I was surprised when a lot of those limiting beliefs came back in a flash! When he sensed my terror, we talked about what my fears were, what was really going on deep down. Deep down, I am afraid of being judged by others and disappointing myself! After a few tears and a long conversation, Russ helped me to come to the conclusion that by sharing these thoughts with other people, it might inspire them. They might realize that when it comes to feeling fear and self doubt, they’re not alone. Whether you are on a journey of weight loss, financial freedom or healthier lifestyle, your journey starts within. Fear and self doubt are actually pretty common. A lot of people have ‘em. What I have found works best is to be honest with yourself about how some of your beliefs are limiting you. Then prove to yourself the falsity of those beliefs by stepping outside your comfort zone. When you do, you’ll begin to overcome what’s holding you back. Is it scary and uncomfortable? Heck yeah! If you feel safe where you are right now, then you are not growing to be a better you. That is why I have committed to writing this blog post! Pushing out of this comfort zone is going to help me to push out in other places in my life as well. Writing this is going to help me develop the habit of personal growth.
I am fortunate to have a partner like Russ, to help talk me though uncomfortable moments and to hold my hand as I step outside my comfort zone. He cheers me on during my successes and encourages me when I have self doubt. Having someone to support you, whether a spouse, friend, cousin, co-worker will make your journey more successful!
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