In today’s post I wanted to talk about comfort and security. It’s been a little while since I’ve had time to sit and write down my feelings. But, it was only this morning, as I sipped my latte’, I had a sudden realization. And, I knew I had to share with you all. For a solid seven years, I was comfortable with money, comfortable with where I lived and, comfortable with my role. But, here’s what happened…
I loved my job – I was a Career Consultant and helped thousands of people within my career change their lives through education. I specialised in business and marketing and consulted all day. And, I was making a tonne of money as well. So, not only was I happy but, I was able to travel the world on six separate occasions, eat at all the fancy restaurants, and splurge every night. So, overall I was able to enjoy the simple things life had to offer. In short, it really was a win-win situation, helping people every day and being rewarded for it.
Be ambitious and challenge yourself
Then, one day, I was given some sad news that my department was closing down. This meant within 4 weeks I would be jobless and forced to leave the company I loved and worked so hard for. Now, 7 years of commitment to the one organisation was literally going to end. And, I had nowhere to go. So, I felt so lost and vulnerable. What was I going to do?
At first, I was heartbroken. But, in a way, it was the most amazing thing that could’ve happened to me. You see, when you are comfortable you are no longer ambitious: you don’t challenge yourself. Instead, you just sit and do what you need to because that’s all you know. And, I became complacent and because of that, then I lost my drive to self-develop. In fact, I loved what I used to do, I was comfortable with the pay so why would I challenge myself?
Seize opportunities to learn and grow
Nevertheless, the fact that the centre of my world was no longer my world, forced me to step out of my comfort zone. For example, it forced me to teach myself new skills, read more books, listen to more podcasts, and actually find my underlying passion. Therefore, I realised that I loved my job because I was helping people achieve their goals.
Of course, the product was great, but it was the consulting I loved. To give a bit of context, I was selling marketing and advertising programs which is what I studied previously. But, the actual passion was for helping people. Above all, it was finding out a need and creating a cost-effective solution that my clients loved.
So, the ultimate light bulb moment was when I helped a client who didn’t understand how digital marketing could grow his business online. Indeed, he didn’t have a clue what he was doing, but he put his trust in me and my team delivered. So, I was still helping people. But, the kick I got out of watching my client make more money when he hit his goals was the cherry on top. Now, if my role hadn’t become redundant, chances are I may still have been there, doing the same thing for the same pay with no desire to grow.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch.
If you want more out of life, don’t settle
I was uncomfortable and so I was forced to train myself up. Then, I worked for a startup that is revolutionising marketing with technology, and helped businesses make more money. Consequently, I loved coming to work each day and the best thing was: I wouldn’t have been blessed with this opportunity if I didn’t lose my job, to begin with.
Moreover, I am confident that every single person has the power to make change. And, if you have stumbled upon this article, it means you are looking to grow. So, the message you seek is right here: If you feel like you could be in this position, take two steps back. And, think about what actually drives you and look into some short courses on that topic. Maybe, start with something motivational to get your mindset right.
So, my message is clear, but I want to be able to share this with the world. Again, if you want more out of life, don’t settle. Instead, always push yourself, take a challenge, teach yourself new skills, continuously develop and grow. For instance, the average CEO reads around 50 books per year. How many books did you read in 2020?
Surely, it’s not easy, it takes hard work, it takes an investment of your time and money. But, the life you can create for yourself – that is something that you only dream of. So, set a goal and work towards it. And, if you don’t have the skills required, teach yourself. We are living in an age where resources are so readily available, so there really isn’t an excuse. For instance, I use Udemy so I can learn on the go but you can use LinkedIn Learning as well.
Set a goal and take your first step today
“The distance between dreams and reality is called action” Unknown.
Today, I urge you to take action. Hence, if there is something you have been putting off, today’s the day you should do it. Because, you can’t make change without the first step. Action is key and I am here to help you start. Therefore, set a goal and take your first step today.
A wise man once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Einstein.
With this in mind, I finish with this TED Talk by Bill Eckstrom.
Hope you found this inspiring.
Let’s kick some goals!
Rachelle