We live in comfort zones that are three sizes too small
Most of our clients are very uncomfortable when I turn on the video camera in a coaching session. They typically do not like some of what they see on the video playback. Seeing what it looks like on the other side of the table in our weaker moments is not comfortable … it may be downright painful. Unfortunately, everyone else has been seeing the painful view for a long time. Once we know what we are doing that does not work well, we have the choice to change our behavior. We can adjust our behaviors in meaningful ways.
A Second Time
I know too well. I have done our coaching process twice. When I started the second cycle, it seemed like a good idea and the video session was several weeks away. As I approached a couple of days away, I heard the soundtrack in my brain trying to come up with excuses why I did not need to go through the video process again. Fortunately, those voices did not win and I did the uncomfortable video work again. I am thankful for it. I learned a lot … even the second time through the process. It was definitely outside my comfort zone.
It is when we move out one, two, or even three comfort zones that we make real progress in our life. There is often fear and discomfort when we need or want to do something different. Even if we feel bored or unfulfilled, most of us do not like to see a big change in our lives.
Unbending Faith in Change for the Better
One of the wonderful blessings of my life is to hear how people have made the choice to move into their discomfort in coaching, and it dramatically changed their life. One of our clients wrote last week with the announcement of becoming the CEO of his company. He added, “Without your wisdom and guidance this announcement would have never happened. My debt to you will never be satisfied … to all those lucky enough to have come through your process … I am so incredibly grateful for all you have invested in me … the time, energy and unbending faith that I had the capability to change for the better.”
This message is wonderful, and yet we have seen it happen thousands of times with our clients. Yes, thousands of times. It is precisely because people choose to move out of their comfort zone. That is where life begins.
If you would like to explore really expanding your comfort zones, we have more information at Change Masters Executive Coach.
Leave a Reply