One of the things I always challenge my clients to do is to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. For many people just coming to an experience with the horses is the start of that stretch. In fact sometimes just the mere thought of doing this can send people into a tail spin.
That was certainly the experience of some of our clients earlier this month. As soon as they learnt that the next module of their leadership programme was with horses all kinds of doubts and fears set in. To the extent that three people actually cancelled their attendance at the event.
It always surprises me the reaction of people to the leadership work with horses. Some totally embrace it and see the experience as a stretch and to try something new outside their comfort zone, whilst for others it puts them into a state of fear and panic.
The one thing that I do know from personal experience is that unless we challenge ourselves to do something new, we never grow and develop. We never expand and change.
Now I also appreciate that everyone’s comfort zone is different and as a skilled facilitator we need to manage the experience and so not take people into a place of paralysis and fear, but rather move them forward step by step so that their own personal comfort zone expands. Because ironically what happens is that if we don’t stretch and challenge ourselves our comfort zone becomes smaller and smaller.
Last night I stretched myself ou of my comfort zone by holding my book launch at the Institute Of Directors in London. I would describe myself as a pretty accomplished speaker but to be honest I have always spoken supported by a powerpoint presentation. Last night no powerpoint was allowed. When I first heard this I was afraid that I wouldn’t know what to say and momentarily thought about pulling out. But I didn’t. I “pulled on my big girl panties” and stepped into the spotlight. And you know what. With no notes to distract me I got really connected to my audience and delivered one of the best talks I have done in long time.
I am now so grateful for that experience as it has helped me prove to myself that I do not need the crutch of a powerpoint presentation to deliver compelling and inspiring content.
So what are you going to do today to step out of your comfort zone and do something different?. I’d love to hear about it on the facebook group.
Have an inspired rest of the week.
Julia Felton (aka The Business Wrangler) is the founder of Business HorsePower. Business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives hire her to accelerate their business performance by harnessing the energy of their people to work more collaboratively together. By aligning purpose with actions the team achieves exponential results as everyone starts pulling in the same direction.
Julia believes that business is a force for good and through designing purpose-driven businesses that leverage the laws of nature, and the herd, you can create businesses founded on the principles of connection, collaboration and community that make a significant impact in the world.
