Don't get out of your comfort zone, get into your adventure zone

We've had a busy start to the year. Lots of work but plenty of play too. We went skiing as a family for the first time (a day trip to Glenshee), my eldest son entered his first diving competition and my youngest son jumped into water out of his depth for the first time, in preparation for diving lessons. I have also spoken at several events (not new but I still need to push myself!). What these all have in common, is that they were in our "adventure zone", which is the theme of this post.

Quick Quote

"When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home." ~ Thornton Wilder

Get into your adventure zone

Would you like a change? Some people are more inclined to take action to move away from something they don't like and other people are motivated by moving towards their goals. Whichever you are, getting out of your comfort zone is a well-worn phrase which doesn't sound particularly attractive. It is moving away from something, but most of us quite like our comfort zone! "Get into your adventure zone" is more positive, exciting and attractive. I would like to challenge you to:

• Get into your adventure zone at least once a week (stretch target once a day!)
• Think ahead of time what your adventure will be, look for opportunities or, if you prefer, do something spontaneous
• It doesn't have to be parachuting out of a plane (although it is a fantastic adventure!). For some people it might just be having a different sandwich for lunch or going to a different cafe/restaurant. Why not try a new exercise class or hobby, talk to someone you haven't spoken to before or wear a different colour or style to your usual attire?

If you would like to share your adventures (large or small) I would love to hear about them below.

Are you missing a vital ingredient?

It's time for new beginnings...
Spring is in the air. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out. It's a time for new beginnings. This is reflected in an upsurge in clients asking for career coaching...People are deciding that they are fed up with their current situation but aren't sure what the "right answer" is. That's where I can help (http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php), but more of that later. Often dissatisfaction arises when the values which are important to you aren't being met. It needn't be so...

Quick Quote
"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." ~ Steven D. Woodhull

Which of your values are not being met?

Our values change throughout our life and often change considerably after significant events such as becoming a parent, losing a loved one, health issues or being made redundant. Below are a list of typical values. Try this exercise:

1.Write down all the values from the list below which are very important to you

2.Circle those very important values which are not currently being fully met. It is likely that these are your pain points

3.Write down the changes to your current occupation/situation which would help you fulfil those values (you may find this difficult)

Skills & Knowledge: Knowlegeable, New frontiers, Skillful, Complexity, Self development, Intellectual stimulation, Challenge

Creativity: Communicate ideas, express uniqueness, create beauty, create ideas

Control: Freedom, security, clarity, predictability, responsibility, precision work, take risks

Purpose: Achievement, helping individuals, helping society, making a difference, working towards common goals, see results, excitement, enjoyment

Status: High living standard, power & authority, command respect, promotion opportunities, influential, receive recognition, adequate remuneration

Environment: Public contact, fast pace, physical, outdoors, manual, ideal location, acceptable commute, variety

Culture: High morals and ethics, close relationships, supportive, competitive

Need help to work out how to fulfil more of your values? Contact me on 07764 235394

Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Finding yourself

Michaelangelo was once asked where he found the inspiration to create the wonderful sculpture of David. He said ‘I did not make David. I revealed him in the stone. All I had to do was to remove the parts of the stone that were not David and reveal the perfect David.’ That is what a good coach will do for you. Reveal the perfect you that exists inside all of us.