When you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, you learn about your limits and what you’re capable of in life.
This summer, Judy was driving her boys back and forth to tennis lessons, thinking “This looks like so much fun. I wish I’d learned to play when I was younger.” But then she thought, “Wait a minute. I can learn now!” So she took a few lessons and now she enjoys playing with her boys.
Linda’s family was planning a trip to Paris. She was excited but wished she was conversant in basic French (she loves practicing Spanish in her travels). The pronunciation seemed daunting. But then she took it on as a summer challenge. And she found the French people so warm and appreciative of her effort!
Play a challenge game
Will we see Judy at the U.S. Open anytime soon? Probably not. Can Linda read Les Miserables in French? Not at all. But we did each try something new - and that’s incredibly confidence-building!
When you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, you learn about your limits and what you’re capable of in life.
Trying new things can boost your career
At EvolveMe, within her role as co-founder, Linda has embraced the self-appointed role of CTO, figuring out any and all tech required to run our business. Prior experience in this area? Zero. But the confidence boost she gets every time she masters something new - incredible. In her comfort zone? Not initially - but now it is!
And within her co-founder role, Judy has intentionally broadened the technical writing skills required in her earlier career to embrace her creative, more personal side, developing the voice EvolveMe brings to articles, programming, and social media.
When you challenge your perception of what you’re good at in low-stakes ways (hobbies, interests, volunteer roles) you “try on” different ways of being. It’s not about whether you succeed or not. It’s about having a growth mindset.
Rather than believing your talents, abilities, or gifts are fixed, a growth mindset lets you live in the space of “not yet.” And having a growth mindset is good for your career!
You can develop and learn new things at any age or stage. Yes at midlife - even now!
Rather than:
“I’m not the kind of person who_____.” (fill in interest, skill, talent, etc)
You become:
“I'm not the kind of person who ____ YET.” (interest, skill, talent)
Experiment left and write. Go outside your comfort zone!
When you challenge your perception of what you’re good at in low-stakes ways, you “try on” different ways of being. It’s not about whether you succeed or not. It’s about having a growth mindset.
Here are five easy ways to try new things:
1) Upskill.
This is a great opportunity to be ready for whatever comes next. Take time to identify what skills you need to round out your portfolio. Take an online course, listen to a new audio book, sign up for a webinar.
We’ve taken to listening to podcasts in the car or while exercising or gardening! Rather than feeling like a burden, make learning a new skill fun by fitting it into your schedule.
2) Commit to doing something once - anything!
Want to bake bread? Try it once! Want to really stretch yourself - try Pilates. Swim and get all your hair wet - try it once! How about that zipline or rollercoaster your kids want you to do with them? Can you try one ride?
This mindset will help you get into the groove of experimenting with new opportunities in your career. You don’t have to commit to your next professional role forever, either!
3) Teach what you love
What do you love to do? The thing that comes naturally to you? The skills that are easiest for us are those we discount the most. It’s counterintuitive but true.
You may think that just because you’re good at something, it’s either easy or everyone else can do it. That’s not true! And others need you to share your unique gifts.
So what will it be? Good at organizing? Cooking breakfast? Choosing gifts? Algebra? Whatever it is, teaching what you’re good at to others builds confidence and competence.
4) Set a physical challenge
The same old workout is not energizing you as much as it was before. Next up - try a new sport, class or gym to mix it up! Or start a walking group with friends.
When we challenge ourselves physically, it can help us feel stronger mentally. This is how success in one area of your life can fuel another. Tired of running the same loop? Ask your friends what workout video they’re loving now and make it a priority to try it. You can find the half-hour in your schedule. If we can, we know you can too!
5) Show up for a cause.
What issues do you feel strongly about now? Strategic volunteering opens new networks and allows us to flex new or underutilized skills. And that builds confidence!
Research organizations whose mission is meaningful to you. Start by thinking about what problem you want to help solve. There are so many free resources to help you learn and get involved! Now is the time to explore.
Let’s take action!
Feeling stuck? Need a mindset reset? We’ve got you covered!
Download EvolveMe’s free resource, 6 Mindset Traps Holding You Back from Your Next (Best!) Chapter
Take that next step for yourself - it doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. Trying one new thing will lead to the next - and the next!
We want more for you!
