There's this line in the book Kiss My Tiara that goes something like, the further you get out of your comfort zone, the bigger it gets. I've carried that with me and recite it when I'm about to do something scary or challenging or uncomfortable.
Networking is out of my comfort zone. I'm a writer, and like most writers, I'm an introvert who is happy to just stay in my cave and write, read, write, read, and only converse through electronic means. And although that's networking in a way, it's not as good as get-out-there-face-to-face networking.
That's what I challenged myself to do on Tuesday when I attended a women's round table event. My mom and I both went, which helped because she is the in-person networking guru, but I still had to talk about what I do to complete strangers.
And guess what? It was a lot of fun and I met some super business savvy ladies and even got interest in my freelance writing biz! It also helped me get clearer on what exactly I want to help people with and I was able to finally put on paper what my freelance writing biz is all about.
And guess what else? Now I know it's not so scary to get out there and talk to people about what I do and how I can help them. And the comfort zone expands a little more.
There really aren't any special secrets to expanding your comfort zone. It's all about taking the leap, diving in, taking a good look at your fear and realizing it's about the size of a peanut. Do the opposite of whatever scares you. Not a net worker? Network! Would rather get a colonoscopy than give a speech? Start speaking! Taking on challenges and learning new things not only expands our comfort zones, it expands our brain power.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation you know will benefit you, but is a little scary, repeat the mantra - the further I get out of my comfort zone, the bigger it gets!
Networking is out of my comfort zone. I'm a writer, and like most writers, I'm an introvert who is happy to just stay in my cave and write, read, write, read, and only converse through electronic means. And although that's networking in a way, it's not as good as get-out-there-face-to-face networking.
That's what I challenged myself to do on Tuesday when I attended a women's round table event. My mom and I both went, which helped because she is the in-person networking guru, but I still had to talk about what I do to complete strangers.
And guess what? It was a lot of fun and I met some super business savvy ladies and even got interest in my freelance writing biz! It also helped me get clearer on what exactly I want to help people with and I was able to finally put on paper what my freelance writing biz is all about.
And guess what else? Now I know it's not so scary to get out there and talk to people about what I do and how I can help them. And the comfort zone expands a little more.
There really aren't any special secrets to expanding your comfort zone. It's all about taking the leap, diving in, taking a good look at your fear and realizing it's about the size of a peanut. Do the opposite of whatever scares you. Not a net worker? Network! Would rather get a colonoscopy than give a speech? Start speaking! Taking on challenges and learning new things not only expands our comfort zones, it expands our brain power.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation you know will benefit you, but is a little scary, repeat the mantra - the further I get out of my comfort zone, the bigger it gets!
