Mark S. Brown

John Maxwell has taught me that growth occurs outside the comfort zone. If we are going to grow we need to move ourselves from what we know and go explore what we don’t know. That may sound exciting to some, but for most of us we are uncomfortable being in an unfamiliar situation. But to grow we must discover the undiscovered!

John has also taught me the importance of being comfortable in my own skin. We should learn to be comfortable about who we are. Developing core values, beliefs, and character that allow us to be the same person in all situations. This feeling of comfort is generated from possession of positive self esteem.

These two concepts may seem incompatible. How can I be uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time?

We all live our lives within our own mind. We have a unique view of the world. Feeling comfortable or uncomfortable is a part of that world. Right? Sometimes when we feel uncomfortable, everyone else is comfortable. The feeling of comfortableness or uncomfortableness only exists within our mind.

So feeling comfortable in our own skin is about being comfortable about how others view us. Being uncomfortable to grow is about how we view the world. It is two different perspectives. To be the best version of ourselves we need to be comfortable in how the world views us, and uncomfortable in how we view the world.

This can be a very difficult state to achieve. We want to shrink back to a place within our own mind where we are always comfortable. But I know this. It is not the best place.

Think of a situation when you walked into the unknown, confident in yourself. Self-assured in your ability to find success when you don’t know what you are facing. That is where you both shine and grow as an individual.

I hope to see you there!

The fear of failure can freeze us in our current place in life. Doubt can rob us of the future we ache to achieve. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the risk required to succeed can be very daunting. Here are 4 tips that can help.

1. Clarify the best possible outcome and resolve to achieve it. What is the best that can happen? Creating a clear image of success in your mind will greatly increase your ability What does it look like and feel like? What would a typical day in that future state be? How must you change to make it real?

2. Take the path that is aligned with your purpose and passion. It should not feel like work. Align your actions in areas of strengths that provide you energy. Excitement about the future should fuel you, not drain you. This requires a clear understanding of your purpose, and your reasons for wanting a different future.

3. Enjoy the intermediate failures that help you adjust your path. Don’t let the small failures create a roadblock. Enjoy the fact that you found something that didn’t work. Challenge yourself to find an adjustment that keeps you in your energized zone.

4. Find others to support you on your journey. Nothing great is ever done alone. You will need support. Do your supporters have a clear understanding of your goals? Keep them informed. Ask for help when you need it. Teach them, train them, draw from their energy also.

I hope you are ready to get out of your comfort zone. Success lies outside of it. We must be able to step forward. If you are struggling to get started, I can offer you a chance to jump start your future with a coach. A complimentary coaching session will let you experience the power of the process.

We are preparing to celebrate Independence Day in the United States this week. Each year, I find myself reflecting on how the United States was created, and the overwhelming challenges that faced the colonies and the colonists. Ultimately, they created the structure of our government, and defeated the British for independence, two colossal accomplishments!

As I reflect on the transformation, I am impacted by two thoughts.

First, the collective desire for change greatly outweighed the challenges faced. Whenever we face an obstacle, our desire to get past it must be greater than the difficulty itself.

In 1775, there were about 2.5 million people in America. They lived from Maine to Georgia. Uniting these people, agreeing on the need for revolution, and designing a new government required the grand vision that our early leaders provided. John Adams went to great lengths to tell younger Americans that his generation was no better than theirs. But no one can argue that the early American leaders had courage, intellect, foresight, and persistence. Traits we would be happy to possess ourselves.

Second, the transition of power early in our government was an example that has lasted throughout the history of the United States. This is in sharp contrast to countries ruled by dictators and kings throughout history. John Maxwell highlights the shift of power at the end of George Washington’s presidency in his article, A Historic Transition.

This fourth of July, I encourage you to reflect on all the people that have gone before you and made your life better. There are many to respect and honor.