I’ve recently discovered an excellent program for circuit weight training that I can do right here in my home. It’s run by Dr. Lisa Moore, DPT, Brick House Bones https://www.drlisamooredpt.com. Dr. Lisa’s YouTube workout videos have brought me more than just physical fitness training. She has also inspired me to reach – to reach high and reach beyond my comfort zone. And that has provided me with an unexpected personal growth opportunity.
Try Something New
“Reach Rehab and Wellness” is the name of Dr. Lisa’s clinic. In her 35-minute “Complete Strength Workout,” which I highly recommend, she gives her audience a short break prior to the kickstand deadlift set(!) to explain why she named her clinic “Reach”:
“I like the symbolism of reaching for something – reaching for a goal – reaching for success – reaching for something that challenges you – reaching for change. Reach is also about being willing to be a little uncomfortable – trying something new – getting outside our comfort zones – I mean that’s where the magic happens, right? Outside our comfort zones.”
Speaking of trying something new, how many of you order the exact same meal, or get the same flavor ice cream, every time you eat at a certain restaurant? There’s no magic in that! I admit to doing so, but also chide myself for it—I want to be more adventuresome but am held back by the lure of my comfort zone.
There are benefits to having a routine, and some people need the structure more than others. But I believe everyone can learn and grow by trying something new. Start with a low-risk foray, such as ordering something different at your favorite restaurant. If you don’t like the meal as much, you can always go back to the old standby. No harm done. Then stretch a little further and try something new at work—volunteer for a project, ask for a more challenging assignment, or request to participate in some form of professional development.
If you acclimate yourself to trying new things, when the time inevitably comes that you must change course, you’ll be far better prepared to navigate the change.
Reach for Change
Trying something new is one thing, but reaching for change? Why do that?! Change, even the thought of change, can be scary. Many people are quite content with where they are—they have embraced the status quo for so long it’s all they know. To reach for success or reach for a goal requires stepping out and leaving the familiar behind. It means searching for the changes you need to make to achieve success or reach your goals.
I recall being part an executive leadership program while on active duty in the US Coast Guard that inspired me to reach for change. Several of the speakers echoed the same theme: keep on challenging yourself and seeking change even though you’ve made it to the senior ranks. At first, I thought to myself, “I’m going to be busy enough just trying to adapt to the new requirements and expectations of an executive position so won’t that be enough change?” But as I pondered the speakers’ challenge, it occurred to me that to succeed and reach my goals in the new position, I would have to change. Doing business the same way that had made me successful as a more junior officer was not going to work as a senior officer. I would have to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth, to become worthy of my new leadership responsibilities.
I started small. In the Coast Guard, we use Personal Computers (PC’s) with the Microsoft operating system (OS). I needed a new home computer and decided to get way out of my comfort zone and purchase an Apple Macintosh with the macOS…along with an Apple iPhone instead of the Android to which I was accustomed. It was 2010, and in those days, Apple sold a plan offering a year’s worth of weekly personal training sessions. I lived two miles from an Apple store, so purchased the plan and signed up for a lesson every two weeks or so. I learned a lot and built confidence. Most of all, I grew accustomed to embracing the change and soon the change wasn’t a change – it was my new normal. I’m thankful to have taken a leap that prepared me to reach for change with enthusiasm in my new role as a senior officer.
Look in the mirror: What can you do as a leader to set the example and motivate others to reach: reach for a goal; reach for success; reach for something that challenges them; reach for change?
Please join me again next time for more on Leading with Character.
If you enjoyed this post, please visit my website where you can buy my book, Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass: Leading in Uncharted Waters, and sign up for my mailing list: https://sandrastosz.com/book/breaking-ice-and-breaking-glass/
