It's Good to Step Out

When do we feel comfortable putting aside our inhibitions? Our fear of looking out of place or even, dare I say, “silly”?

Recently, I challenged my leadership classes to do just that. The exercise asked them to go out onto campus and walk around. Easy enough, right? Here’s the catch – they walked in pairs. One of the pair was to keep their eyes shut while the other one guided them, somehow, around campus. Some groups used verbal instructions: “Walk forward. Stop. Turn to your right. Walk. ..stop” and so on. Others “drove” the blind person around campus – like a car. Standing behind, the “driver” gently placed their hands on the other person’s shoulders and guided them around campus. Other groups found other ways to communicate. After ten minutes, they switched roles to return to class.

As I described the exercise and pushed them out the door, I heard gasps and giggles and glances to each other. What will other students think of us? Where should we go? What will this be like?

Yet, even with those concerns, not one student opted out of the activity. After that moment of discomfort, they all worked together. I just glanced out the window to see one pair navigating around the circle sidewalk by the building.

It’s easy to play it safe, to stay in our comfort zone, to avoid the discomfort. Yet, when we take a brave step, no matter how large or small, it’s an act of bravery that often leads to learning and growing.

The next time you have an opportunity to do something out of place, maybe even look “silly,” lean into it. You may find you’re braver than you gave yourself credit for and learn something.

Stepping out of our comfort zones can be challenging and scary at times. When I worked with a coach, we worked together to lean into those areas where I often feel discomfort. If you’re interested in how coaching can help you become comfortable in the uncomfortable, schedule a complimentary call with me. Let’s see if we can work together.