Helen Keller, blind and deaf educator, said: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Sometimes it’s wise to be cautious, particularly when physical safety is at stake. However, when we play it safe simply to protect our ego or heart, we may close off possibilities that could bring us greater joy and fulfillment. Life is what we make of it, shaped by our choices. What are you choosing? Answer the following statements “true” or “false” and discover if you are too cautious.
Set 1
1. I am content with things as they are and prefer to stay in my “comfort zone.”
2. I am afraid something bad will happen if I veer off my usual course. I feel safer and more confident when I stick to what I already know.
3. I frequently worry “what if…?” If I cannot be certain of the outcome, I usually will not take the risk. Being rejected, looking stupid and failing are not options.
4. I know there are business opportunities I have missed out on because of being so risk-averse.
5. My fear of the unknown is paralyzing. When I look at my career, I have many regrets about things I did not do.
6. I feel bad about myself for being so cautious. I think of myself as a risk averse and I suspect that others see me that way, too.
Set 2
1. I am committed to growing despite my fears. I do have fears; however, I am more committed to my goals and know the cost of playing it safe.
2. Developing courage is like building a muscle. The more I practice taking risks, even small ones, the more empowered I feel.
3. When I have a goal or dream that feels daunting, I minimize feeling overwhelmed by “chunking it down” into more manageable, short-term steps.
4. I enlist the support of those who can help me move beyond my comfort zone to a more fulfilling life.
5. When I take risks, I trust I can handle whatever comes. If I fall, I know that I can get up again. I label my shortcomings as failures or conclude that I should not have tried.
6. My biggest successes have come when I have taken a big leap of faith.
If you answered True more often in Set 1 and False more often in Set 2, you may wish to learn some effective ways to move beyond your comfort zone to live a more fulfilled life. I would love to help! Please email me at angela@thewonderloft.com so we can set up a time to chat. I would love to support you in exploring this further.
Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications
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About Angela
Angela Joyner is a leadership expert, coach and national speaker. She founded The Wonder Loft, LLC coaching practice for women. Angela is passionate about changing the face of corporations globally and helping women lead with confidence and live with intention. Through her private coaching fireside chats, and workshops, Angela shows women (and a few good men) how to navigate the corporate environment and get promoted at work.
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