Every year I try to take myself out of my comfort zone, consciously, by trying something new. It is something I have done for a large part of my life and reminds me that nothing is impossible. It gives me fuel for the times when life gets tough. Most of the time it involves an adrenaline packed activity but not always. Three years ago it was more a mental challenge than physical as I began the launch of my own business. Whatever the case it has become something I strive for and I feel is necessary for my own personal growth.

Taking a Break After Rowing the San Juan River Solo in my Own Boat

This journey first began when I decided to go to Europe. I had friends in some key locations but the trip required me to do a lot of traveling on my own. I was 18 and had never been overseas. I was super excited but nervous all at once. I left with gusto but quickly learned that I needed to be careful about where I went, at what time and who I could/should or should-not talk too. From that point on I learned that you had to take matters into your own hands if you wanted to see or do something that was important to you.

Taking a Tour of the Colorado Backcountry

The next year my big challenge was finding a way to meet new people who loved the sport of skiing. The majority of my friends wanted nothing to do with this sport. I just loved it and serendipitously found a Help Wanted Ad in the paper for a ski chaperone to take High School kids to area mountains. I went for it not knowing a soul and ended up meeting a whole group of new friends, fun folks who loved to ski as well as my future husband.

Completing My First Ever Mud Run

All of this was unconscious planning. It wasn’t until my late 20’s that I realized that I needed to consciously make a point to step out of my comfort zone on an annual basis. I then began planning for them and since that time I have learned to row my own raft, kayak, race mountain bikes, have children, build a house, climb mountains, learn to park ski and more. The result has always been positive, whether I was able to conquer the challenge or tried and failed. Every time I stepped out of my comfort zone it brought me to a new place in life both physically and metaphorically. Today I am preparing for a new challenge, give a group presentation on Social Media. I am definitely nervous and hope I don’t screw it up. Standing in front of a crowd has always been intimidating, I would like to move beyond that fear and become a proficient speaker. I strive to succeed in this endeavor.

Learning to Huck myself off a 25ft Jump

I invite you to take your own personal challenge, step out of your comfort zone and into a new place in your life. Do something that makes you feel hesitant, maybe even a little afraid. It can bring you places you never even dreamed of. Go for it! I don’t think you will regret it.

~Holly Resignolo