Warning: You are Entering the “Courageously Uncomfortable” Zone

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to a new term: “Courageously Uncomfortable” 

Well, it was new to me anyway. 

Maybe you found it new as well.

Anyway, this wonderful phrase and slice of inspiration comes from my dear friend April Schmidt. 

April Schmidt is woman of high integrity as well as a fierce advocate for workplace mental health. 

In conversations with April, you quickly discover that she is brilliant and passionate while also possessing a wicked sense of humor.

Simply put, April is awesome!

Well, April taught me this term about stepping out on the ledge and becoming “courageously uncomfortable”.

As April and I were exploring collaboration opportunities together, I found her passion and enthusiasm for creating a healthy workplace completely contagious. 

Captivated with her message, I invited April to join me on a LinkedIn Live interview to discuss her niche and expertise. 

However, public speaking consistently ranks as one the greatest fears by many people.  

Here I thought most of us still feared those horrifying monsters under the bed (just asking for a friend). 

Well, jumping on the virtual stage to conduct a live interview can be terrifying for many folks. 

Here was April’s post on LinkedIn sharing her thoughts about conducting a Live interview:

“Sometimes you get presented an opportunity that is really exciting. You know you want to do because it will be an amazing experience but you have hesitation because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. There’s that decision point-do what feels safe and say “thank you but no” opting to stay in the no growth zone or “yes, I will” opting to lean into the discomfort and the experience to grow?

Doing a live interview, requires taking a risk-there’s no pause button, no reset, no ‘can we edit out that comment’, no ‘can we record that again before launching it.’

I will be getting #courageouslyuncomfortable doing a live interview with Curt Anderson! I opted for the growth zone over comfort zone.”

Well, it takes courage to step out on the ledge and get “Courageously Uncomfortable”. 

As April points out, conducting a live interview brings a great deal of risk. 

What if I stumble? 

Make a fool of myself? 

Also, what if someone is offended by comments? 

Unfortunately these things most likely WILL happen. 

So to avoid taking that chance, you can stay in your comfort zone or as April coins it the “no growth zone”

On the other hand, take that leap of faith and throw caution to the wind. 

What areas fall into your “Uncomfortable Zone” that you need to shove off to the side? 

How can we reverse our very own fears and “Uncomfortable Zone”?

April is fearlessly conquering the “No Growth” Zone and also leading the charge into the “Courageously Uncomfortable” Zone.

Let’s take a page out of April’s book and smack that Fear in the backside with such force that the “No Growth Zone” completely Fears YOU. 

April, you are a TREMENDOUS inspiration! Well done my friend!! 

Check this out: “Out-Sacrifice Your Mate” Builds Rock Solid Relationships