Have you ever wanted to apply for a new role but didn’t because you felt you did not have the required skills? Have you ever wanted to start a new business or even change careers but never did because of fear you would not be successful?
Well join the club, most people will experience this at some point in their working life. It can be incredibly scary and daunting being the leader and not knowing which way to turn, not having the answers. A very uncomfortable and uncertain position to be in.
What if I told you that unless you are taking the role that you are not currently capable of or taking the jump into a new career or starting that business, you are doing yourself and everyone around you a disservice? How would that make you feel?
A client recently came to us who was, in his own words, ‘drifting’ in his corporate middle management role. He wanted to apply for more senior roles however had the perception he did not have the requisite skills to succeed. After just three coaching sessions, his attitude shifted and he began applying for more senior roles. Within six weeks he was successful in being selected for a role as CIO of a national digital brand.
If you are not extending yourself beyond your current capabilities, then you are not growing. The only way to find out how great you can be is to get out of your comfort zone. Take that role that is bigger and more challenging than anything you have ever done before. Extend yourself, challenge yourself to be the very best you can be. This will guarantee growth. To quote Richard Branson,
“Take a chance. It’s the best way to test yourself. Have fun and push boundaries”.
Those who remain in their comfort zone within their current capabilities, who don’t take the ‘risk’ on a bigger role are playing it safe. They live in fear of failure, scared of the dreaded unknown. Staying in your comfort zone can lead to boredom, lack of stimulation and lack of fulfilment which stunts your growth. Next thing you know you are unhappy in your work which flows into other areas of your life.
The way to ensure you continue to grow in your career and as a person is to take on roles and do things that are beyond your current capability, beyond your comfort zone. Doing so can be uncomfortable, very uncomfortable. It will also lead to progress and success which results in happiness and fulfilment. So next time you read that job ad and think it’s too big for me, remind yourself that you will never know how incredible you are until you move out of your comfort zone, extend yourself and strive to be the very best version of you.