I’M OUT OF MY ZONE!

As small business owners, each of us has a “comfort zone”. I define that zone as that area where our thoughts and actions make us feel comfortable. The unfortunate reality is that many individuals spend most of their time thinking and acting within that zone.

A long term stay in a comfort zone will stifle action. As one approaches the edges of their comfort zone several sensations are encountered, including fear, unworthiness, lack of self-confidence, denial, anger, as well as a host of other factors which lead us to say “I am uncomfortable”.

Cold calling, writing a daily blog, being consistent with your social media marketing, learning a new way of doing something, networking, asking for referrals, are only a small part of the reasons a small business owner feels uncomfortable.

I attribute inaction to FEAR for which I heard the following acronym: False Expectations Appearing Real. For the most part what we fear is not real – it is merely our mind imagining something awful that has not yet happened. Consequently, we seldom do anything that we fear, so we never discover if our “fear” is real.

Michael Pritchard said: “Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.”

Great, so we now have identified our comfort zone which has immobilized us from taking the necessary actions to take our businesses to the next level. Identifying a problem without offering a solution makes for an ineffective blog. I do have a solution, but it requires you to trust me and to take the following steps:

• Don’t be a loner in your business. Self-discipline is hard but it becomes easier when someone else is working next to you and shares your vision.
• Become accountable to a mentor, coach or peer group.
• Call BizQuack when you find yourself approaching the edge of your comfort zone and need a forward boost.
• Sign up for a networking event or an educational session and talk to the person next to you.
• Break your daily routine. Do something different every day. It could be as simple as taking a walk or going to Starbucks for coffee or?????

Being alone in your darkroom is the mold you need to break, and the above mentioned things will help you break free.

————————————————————————————————————
Tips & Advice by Nick Petra, CFP – Founder of Strategic Duck and BizQuack