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.

Create a vision not a resolution

I hope you had a chance to have a break and enjoyed your Christmas period. Now, at the start on 2013, is the time when many people take a fresh look at their lives, and consider the changes they would like to make. I am not a huge fan of resolutions as they don't have a high success rate (let me know if you prove me wrong!) but I do value creating a vision which you take steps towards. I have been creating a vision for both my business and personal life.

Quick Quote
"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." ~ Carl Jung

Create a vision and move towards it

• Imagine there is another you sitting in the room next door, close your eyes if it helps, and see what you look like if you are exactly the same as you currently are
• Visualise yourself at Christmas 2013 – notice what is different about you. What have you achieved? Do you look any different? Do you feel any different?
• Explain your progress to your friend - Now imagine a good friend joins you next door and you are discussing the things which have gone well for you in 2013. Notice how you feel about your progress and what they say to you
• Describe your journeys - Your friend asks you how you have managed to make these changes. Describe the steps you have taken and the obstacles you have overcome including what you have learnt
• Clarify your first steps - Explain to your friend the changes you made in January and how you managed to achieve them

Now you have done them once in your head, it should be easier to do it a second time. There are some fantastic tools for embedding your vision and making it more likely to become a reality. I can help you with this and also with defining your vision in the first place and breaking it down into practical steps so that you actually achieve it. Please ring me on 07764 235394 if you would a chat to see how I might be able to help you.

If you would like to share your vision to give you accountability and make it more real, why share it by commenting below?