It was the psychologist Abraham Maslow that said, “If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.” Yet, forty-two percent of college graduates in the United States have never read another book after completing school.
I have reflected on the key changes in my life, and how I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I never made decisions to stretch myself and grow. I made decisions based on opportunity, and being aware of the opportunity at the right time.
I don’t think it is by coincidence that the experiences that gave me the most growth and personal reward are the experiences that were outside my comfort zone. This fact has made me start to examine how I can leave my comfort zone. For my own growth, not for a company, or someone else. I want it for myself, to stretch to my potential.
What about you? What experiences have shaped your life? How many of them required you to be out of your comfort zone? What actions should you be taking today to stretch yourself?