Let's face it, we are creatures of habit and often find ourselves getting quite comfortable in our daily routines. As human beings we all have our comfort zones, be it in both our personal and professional lives. While the security of the foreseeable can be quite calming, more often than not we find ourselves stuck in the proverbial "safety blanket" limiting our capabilities and opportunities.
For some one of the most common activities to take people out of their comfort zones is face-to-face networking. Even the mere thought of attempting to develop professional relationships is enough to make some people simply avoid it. For me personally, the mere thought of anyone missing out on potential opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relationships and impede their own career progression every day of the week by avoiding opportunities due to fear is deeply upsetting.
During one of many conversations I've had around this topic with both clients and friends of mine, a particular saying was once shared and has rang true ever since "Add a dash of creativity, a hint of curiosity, a pinch of courage and mix well."
As direct as this may seem, I see it as you have two choices...remain in your comfort, watch the world pass you by as you stand stagnate making a conscious decision to limit your life choices and opportunities OR let go of the proverbial "safety blanket" and take that first step, because that's where real personal and professional growth takes place! Once we stretch ourselves beyond our current capabilities, we really don't want to go backwards and more often than not, it's at this point we wonder why it took so long to make the leap in the first place. If you feel your heart rate and breathing increase and you find this really resonates with you, read on...
This is your body's natural drug, adrenalin, and in moderation, makes you sharper, quicker, and more creative. It creates a feeling of excitement and exhilaration that comes from doing something new.
In my personal experience, the more often often I take myself out of my "comfort zone" on a daily basis, the easier it gets and getting started is a lot easier than you think. Your first step may be as simple as driving home a different route, or making eye contact and saying hello to that person you pass each morning on your morning walk. Who knows, that fellow morning walker could be that CEO of that particular company you've been wanting to work for the past 12 months. You may even find you have a lot more in common you than you think!
Trying new things creates confidence. Confidence creates self empowerment and makes us feel good.
Breaking down your personal barriers to change may seem like a very daunting task. I'm not going to down play how overwhelming and uncomfortable both mentally and physically this can be. However by taking control and exposing your skills more publicly, the options available to you will increase, your competencies will develop and I guarantee you will become a more rounded person where both yourself and others will benefit as a result.
To find out more on how strategic face-to-face networking can help you attract the right people, improve your business performance, people skills, career progression, product/services and much more click here.
Share your stories or comment on this edition of buzz below
As always, get in touch to chat further.
Happy Netships,
Julia Palmer
ps - Last chance to enrol for our 2-Day Create Net[work]s & Manage Net[work]s Public Program in March (early bird extended to COB this Thurs).
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Melbourne - 7 & 8 March (in 3 weeks)
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