Do you ever wonder why it seems that other people are having all the fun?

That used to be me. As I looked out from the tiny window of my comfort zone, I’d wonder how these folks got to be so lucky. Don’t they have responsibilities? Shouldn’t they being doing something more constructive with their time? What kind of example are they setting? Surely they need to grow up and act their age.

All valid questions…from someone fully entrenched in their own Circle of Influence. You know that place. We all do. It’s where you feel most comfortable, in control, and safe. It is human nature to want to remain in your comfort zone…to take the easy way.

Years ago in my professional life…I heard this quote: “Change is good, you go first”. For me, this illustrates the difficulty in personal growth. Change equals uncertainty. Uncertainty equals doubt. Doubt equals the risk of failure. Risk of failure equals inaction. Inaction equals stagnation. You can see why it’s easy to let someone else “go first”.

But to grow, to enlarge your Circle of Influence, you must push outside of your normal boundaries. But how?

One idea is to adjust your “Point of View”.

“There are two sides to every story”. “The glass is half full”.  Both quotes illustrating POV. How about some pictures?

What do you see?

Now what do you see?

The reality…a crapper with a view.

Which viewpoint did you choose?

If you found yourself focusing on the conditions of the privy, or thought to yourself “no way, not me”, you are solidly in your comfort zone. Change will be difficult. Conversely, if you focused on the view, thought using the privy wouldn’t be that bad, or that the view is worth the personal sacrifice, then you will be more open to change.

From within our own homes, to the global stage, change comes whether we want it to or not. Try to focus on the positive. See the value and work towards the goal. Don’t give in to the dark side. Negative thoughts usually don’t reach positive outcomes. Adulting is hard enough, don’t let your point of view get in the way of expanding your horizons.

Now for some more pictures.

What do you see?

Now what do you see?

These photos illustrate what I call “Sense of Adventure”. Why just go camping? When you can leave the car at home, take your bicycles, and ride the ferry.

Get out, not necessarily outside, and seek new adventures. Go hiking, to a play, the opera, new restaurant, or just take a walk. Something as simple as driving a new route to work can lead to new insights. When you find yourself on an adventure, your eyes are open to new ideas, new thoughts, and new feelings.

Our world, both the one we live in and the one we create inside our head, are ever-changing. You hear it everyday…paradigm shift, think outside the box, corporate synergy, employee empowerment, self-directed work teams…all fancy buzzwords for change.

Again, decades ago, in another life…as part of a collaborative workplace initiative…I was asked to develop a motto for our team. We chose “Resistance is Futile”. Why? On one hand, try to resist change and watch it steam roll right over top of you. On the other hand, as leaders of the new vision, we used our voices to sell the initiative…not taking “no” for an answer. So, from whichever POV, positive or negative, pro or con, for or against, good or bad…to resist change is futile. Embrace the adventure.

Growth on any level doesn’t come overnight. It takes patience, sacrifice, and vision. Most importantly, it takes action. So take a minute…find your inner motivation, inspiration…then actively engage.

Get out there! Try something new. Take chances. Play in the rain. Dance like no one is watching. Do something, anything.

It works for me!

Find the beauty that surrounds you every day.

Growler

Here’s some pictures from last weekends adventure to the Cape: