Choosing Growth Over Comfort
When was the last time you did something that scared you… something outside your comfort zone?
Today, I’m having an OMCZ kinda day. That’s short for “Outside My Comfort Zone”…
I’m finalizing the edits on my online video course where I teach entrepreneurs how to create a card deck. I’ve done a fair amount of uncomfortable things in my life and after many years of working it, got a good grip on being able to feel the fear and do it anyway.
But damn!
That little bugger of an ego, is quite tenacious and persistent.
The ego is the part of us that is invested in keeping us small and scared. You’ll know it’s showing up when you hear it’s incessant voice in your head, the one that tries to convince you how you can’t do something. And it talks some crazy sh*t…
Although my course subject is one I’m really good at, one that is very familiar to me, one that comes really easy to me, I still have that dang voice talking nonsense.
It doesn’t care about the truth. It’s only interested in how you can’t. It happens to be worried that my course is too long or too short, or too good or not good enough, or too much information or not enough information. It’ll say things like, “What if people don’t buy it and what if they don’t like it?”.
OMG! What if they hate it?
OMCZ! You see the drama we create for ourselves.
As if that wasn’t enough on my plate, I signed up for another competition this week.
NO! NO! It’s not another bodybuilding figure competition. I’ve done that twice already and I think that might be enough for one lifetime. (Ok! If you’re curious, I’ve posted the picture at the bottom for you)
This competition is called Stretch Yourself Challenge.
My business coach Kelly McCausey has been holding this challenge for the past 10 years. This is my first year stretching myself and building my content marketing muscles.
Participants choose from 15 challenges that must be completed within 30 days. It’s a competition where you compete against the weight of your own limiting beliefs. She’s made if fun by dangling yummy prizes!
Once again, the goal is to stretch beyond what you usually do. Another push out of the comfort zone with the ultimate goal to grow yourself and your business.
And what is comfort anyway?
Just as an FYI, growth and comfort cannot coexist.
Given that option, I choose growth. Unless your talking shoes – then comfort always wins.
Anyway, I’m inviting you to see where you are willing to do something scary, step it up, stretch OYCZ (outside your comfort zone), so that you can grow.
Whether you have a formal competition you can enter, prizes you want to win or even if and especially when no one is watching – can you stretch yourself, step in what might feel uncomfortable and embrace the growth?
With that question on your mind, you might start hearing that voice chime in, whispering unsweet nothings. You might here things like, you never finish anything, why start now, it’s too late, you’re not good enough, you don’t have the money, you don’t have the time, you don’t have the support and blah blah.
I’m not ready to let any small talk stop me — not this time and not anytime — because I know it’s just a trick.
This is what I do to get myself out of a situation where I’m being pulled away from what I know is good for me.
I practice my core principle of “FALL IN LOVE WITH THE IDEA”. In this case, that looks like my card deck course helping hundreds of heart centered authors, speakers and coaches get their message out into the world in a fun and beautiful way. I’m also falling in love with the idea that my Facebook Live (the one I chose for Kelly’s Stretch Yourself ) will be super fun and informative and that I’ll be the winner of that prize I’m wanting.
So I focus on that.
I let the ego play its game and then I thank it for sharing. Then firmly tell it, “I’m not interested in why I can’t” and explain that “I’ve fallen in love”.
Then somehow magically, my heart begins to lead the show, allowing opportunity, possibility, excitement and fun to show up all around me.
What are you willing to stretch yourself with ? Are you willing to allow your heart to lead your show?
xxoo,
PS. Sure! Go ahead and try my technique and see how it works for you. I’d love to hear about your experiment.
Here I am at 53… super proud of myself for stepping it up and OMCZ for this one!
I LOVE that ‘Fall in love with the idea’ strategy! If you’re in love with the idea, that nasty bugger of an ego ain’t separating you from your love. I’ve gotta remember that one!!
And I agree about the shoes–comfort all the way. I ain’t got no time for sore tootsies and foot cramps. I love me some comfortable shoes.
Thanks for such an inspiring and BOLD post. And I LOVE the BOLD picture of your bodybuilding competition with your daughter. You are the BOMB!
You are so inspirational! Congrats on your Card Deck course and congrats on your fitness accomplishments. That shows you have what it takes to be not only a finisher, but a champion!
I love what you said here: “I’m not ready to let any small talk stop me — not this time and not anytime — because I know it’s just a trick.”
OMG I love this because I feel the same way. I spent so many years of my life playing small, listening to ego and letting small talk guide me. Of course, sometimes I still struggle with it, but I’ve gotten better and kicking that crap to the curb.
And by the way, I’m totally stealing your fall in love with the idea strategy! 😉 That is awesome!
Rosie I love your take on this!! That voice in our head can be a game changer if we allow it to have power over us. I’ve battled it for years and love the idea of just simply telling it, “I’m not interested in why I can’t.”
We’ve got bigger and better things to do!! Love your post and I can’t wait to check out your card deck creation course!!
Rosie, I am thankful to have you in my life – did we really just meet this spring?
You are a freaking rock star – your new card deck create course is going to inspire so many new card decks – mine is already here!!
Keep on stretching, who know’s what comes next?
Haha! I’m always creating drama for myself when it comes to stretching outside my comfort zone. Great post.
Rosie — love your phrase – OYCZ (outside your comfort zone). I so want to stay in my comfort zone and it’s so hard to break out of it. I’m taking tiny steps — some are harder than others. It’s all in the thinking. I need to spend less time thinking and more time doing! And, can’t wait for your new class!
“Unless your talking shoes – then comfort always wins. ” 1000% with you on this one Rosie! I won’t apologize for my Merrells
Thanks for the reminder that we are stretching and competing mostly with yourselves and those limiting voices that creep in when we try to do big, new, uncomfortable things. It’s within our power to tell those limiting voices to bug off – we’ve got big things to do!
If we stay in our comfort zone, we cannot Grow. If we are not growing, we are not living. And if we are not living, we are dying. Clearly we need to stretch outside our comfort Zone to Live Full out! Love your BB pic! Super impressed…where can I buy a body like that? 🙂
Amazing, isn’t it, that we willing step into some challenges and balk at others when it comes to business that have the potential to really move us forward? Enjoyed learning more about you, especially after seeing Kelly talk about your card decks and training.
Waaah … but I want growth and comfort to co-exist … Cool post, Rosie, looking forward to your Facebook Live!
Holy Moly Rosie – love the photo of you and your daughter competing and the reminder to lead with the heart. Stretching is so important and that little extra effort of the extra rep for few pounds makes ALL the difference. Thanks for posting and good luck this month!
OMCZ – fantastic! I also love the idea of telling the ego, “I’ve fallen in love.” Gonna chew on that one for quite awhile. And I love this challenge for a bunch of reasons, not the least is which I’m learning some really cool things about a bunch of super interesting people. Body-building! Wow.
Yes, those little voices in our head …
So many stories and so many misconceptions we are created for ourself.
And, freaking awesome stretch to go to a bodybuilding competition with your daughter! I just gave me more reason to get back on track with my body.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Rosie, for that metric of falling in LOVE with an idea to pursue! When love and excitement are the true north of our businesses, every day is a success.
Rosie, this is an awesome post! I’ll tell you that ego voice gets me every time! I’m working very hard in this challenge to ignore it and “fall in love” with what I’m doing! You sound so fun. I totally hope we can get to know each other better!
So glad you’re stretching and sharing the journey. I’m looking forward to learning more about the card deck creation!
Omigod, Rosie…this post moved me to tears. I have the same incessant voice inside my head and you summarized in perfectly when you said we “compete against the weight of your own limiting beliefs.” I feel so blessed to have met you in this challenge, and I look forward to studying with you in your card deck creation course! Cheers!
Rosie, I have that little voice in my head too. Guess I’m going to change the focus and, let go and fall in love.
Growth and comfort cannot co-exist. Love that concept.
Loved this insight: The ego is the part of us that is invested in keeping us small and scared.
Powerful nuggets of information. Oh so true, that our fears keep us small and scared.
Thank you for some great things to ponder to keep us growing.
Holy cow Rosie, that bod at 53! YOU are my hero. I’ve wanted to prep and compete in a bodybuilding/fitness competition for years, but have never STRETCHED myself enough to check it off of my list. Can I still do it at 59?
I’ve been on the fence about your card deck course, but after reading this post I think it’s time to jump off into your yard.
No, comfort and growth cannot go exist, at least until you become comfortable growing. That’s my goal and it’s inspiring to see you doing the same. 🙂
Rosie, you inspire me!
I think just standing in a bikini on a stage would be way out of my comfort zone. Good for you and your daughter. That’s something you will both remember forever.
I love the idea of ‘falling in love with the idea!’ I’ve got a course I’ve been procrastinating on for months because of all those little negative thoughts that keep creeping in… I’m going to just tell ego that I can’t play with you right now, I’m too busy falling in love and getting stuff done!
Ha! I was going to ask to see a picture of the BodyBuilding and there it was – what an amazing stretch that must have been!
It’s funny for me to hear that you have that little voice – I keep hearing about Rosie and Rosie’s cards -you sound like a super star to me 🙂
Loved the post and Falling In Love with the Idea – now if I could only fall in love with laundry… 🙂