Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Today, I write about something a bit personal. If you have tried to do something different lately, I think you will relate.

I've been working on getting my new medical weight loss and preventive health practice off the ground- I will be honest. It has been a daunting task.

"People do this all the time"- I tell myself.

So, I make my to-do lists and check off tasks diligently. As a doctor and a mom, I have been trained to look at things methodically.

There is nothing as good as the feeling of checking off those little squares on your to-do list, right?!

But along the way, I realize that every step of the way, there have been tasks on my list that have been taking me out of my comfort zone. How can I do well at something I haven't done before? The type-A person in me is in major discomfort.

Maybe you too have been thinking about trying something new? Or maybe you are trying to make a positive change for your health or in some other aspect of your life?

How can you push yourself to try?

I have found that creating a mental image of where I want to be helps. How do you envision yourself?

I have also learned that it is okay to ask for help! You cannot do everything alone...

Many times, you might feel like you don't want to bug others. But, if you can find people who care and want to help you succeed, you just might start being able to step out of those pre-defined boxes you put yourself in.

And guess what? As you get experience, you will start getting the chance to pay it forward. You will get the chance to share your journey with others- What worked and what didn't.

Find a cheerleader (or two or three!). These people may be advising you and helping you achieve your tasks, or not. They may be people who have the important task of lifting you up, and letting you know that you CAN do this.

Last, keep the fear of failure at bay. It is there- let it keep you motivated but don't let it paralyze you.

When you doubt yourself, look back for a moment to where you started your journey. Look how far you've come. And if you hit roadblocks in the past, look at how you handled them.

Be grateful for the successes and for the failures that taught you how to do things better the next time.

And most importantly, be grateful for the path you are on- moving towards something positive that you are doing for YOU.

In health,

Richa