For this week’s Monday Morning Mojo I want to touch on the subject of getting out of your comfort zone as a means to greater happiness and success. This has been top-of-mind with me this week because I have been trying to do just that. I can’t say I am any closer to success, but I have begun a few things recently that are uncomfortable and have challenged me. I will share those here.

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

Yesterday, I completed my second class in improv comedy. I am not the oldest student (close though), yet I am clearly the worst. No biggie as this is all a great experience. I do find this a challenge and I am committed to continuing. For anyone interested in comedy, public speaking or just thinking fast on your feet, improv is a great brain exercise. I have also tried playing the saxophone this past year. I am probably worse at the sax than I am at improv, but again it is all a new experience. And finally, I have been doing hot yoga for about two years, and I am getting close to touching my toes. I am certainly at the bottom of the class at this yoga studio, but it does help with a good sweat in the morning and a “stretch” of a different nature.

I am not sharing all of this to brag, but rather to encourage my family and friends to identify things that interest you and do something about trying them out. Personally, I don’t have great ambition for any of these areas, but it has opened my mind to things I have never done before. I have found myself dissecting comedy and looking for a particular skill, I am listening more to jazz and can identify certain notes, and I now understand what a “downward dog”, “child’s pose” and “warrior” is. For those that know yoga, I have perfected the “child’s pose”!

I do feel refreshed and energized when doing these activities, and I wanted to suggest to the Monday Morning Mojo readership to try something that interests you for yourself.

One Personal Story

There is a lot of literature on “getting out of your comfort zone” towards personal development online, however this Ted Talk video, by a young, Chinese personal growth consultant does a good job of explaining this. If you have a moment, listen to Yubing Zhang tell her story about getting out of her comfort zone.

Upcoming Podcast

Moving to Asia in my late twenties changed my life forever, and travel and working overseas offers other ways to get out of your comfort zone. I am sharing here a quick video my friends Bryce Whitwam and Ali Kazmi prepared for a podcast I did with them on my China experience. That Podcase will launch next week and I will share it then.

Wishing you all a great week ahead.