Answering Three Simple Questions
As a coach, I give advice. I ask questions. I try and push people outside their comfort zones to make progress. Most of the time, I am doing the same type of work myself. On my own or with my coach/mentors.
One of the things I have been working on this last year is taking more risks and getting outside what I find comforting. I know this allows me to grow and develop as a coach, leader and woman.
This past fall a friend reached out to me and asked if I would like to join her and two other friends on a zip-lining course. My first reaction was ‘Oh No Way!‘
Being extremely afraid of heights there was no way I would step foot on a zip-line course. I actually have a panic attack going on bridges I have never been on-it makes my passengers either afraid or they laugh at me!
Remembering my goal is to step outside my comfort zone, I told her I would think about it. Which I did. For a week. I went back and forth on doing it or not doing it. Then I got real with the questions I typically ask my clients when they are faced with a tough situation.
“What’s the worst that could happen?”– I could fall to my death.
“What’s the best thing that could happen?”– I become obsessed with zip-lining and spend all my free time on a course.
“What’s likely to happen?” – I will have a great time with my friends, make some wonderful memories and maybe want to do it again.
Ultimately, I made the choice to go with my friends. I wanted to make memories with them and wanted to prove to myself I could do this.
I almost backed out when I saw it was 14 courses, not just one. I went anyway. I had to keep reminding myself that I could do it. Face my fears and that the worst would not come true.
And what a day it was! A fun adventure, albeit a bit scary at first (I may have shed a tear just watching the video in the lobby of what we would be doing), but we had a blast. I even volunteered to go first towards the end of the day.
Here is proof I did it! Zip-lining through the forest on a cold October day in MN. What a day to remember. I pushed through my fears and accomplished something I never thought I would.
When you’re faced with a challenge or situation where you’re not sure what to do, try asking those three simple questions and see if they help.
To your growth, development and amazing potential,
Lisa
