I finally did it. I took the step that led me into new, very unfamiliar territory. I went to an improve comedy class last night!
The idea came to me back in August. It seemed like a great idea, a way to add new skills into my repertoire and have some fun in the process. During September it was there in the back of my brain calling softly to me, “Lori, go take an improve class, it will be fun and help you reach the new goal you set.”
In October, I finally hit Google to research classes near me. Boom! There was one in downtown Denver, walkin classes on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Good for any level of skill and the investment a whopping $5. (I classified that as low risk.)
I put it on my calendar for the next Tuesday and I found various reasons not to attend. The next two weeks I continued to talk myself out of it—all the while I really wanted to go. But it was new and different and traffic and who would be there and…
Yesterday I made the decision to go and stuck with it. Traffic was horrible, there was a big crash on the freeway so following the urgings by my phone, I took an alternate route. I arrived fifteen minutes late, but I went in and immediately was glad I did. Kevin who stood next to me, introduced himself right away, they were all friendly and I was engaged in the next exercise they did. Which helps you remember people’s names.
It wasn’t what I expected, but in truth I didn’t know what to expect. They applauded me for coming because I’ve never done improve before. Hmm, that felt good, a nice atta girl for stepping out of my comfort zone.
It only takes that first step to reduce your fears and anxiety and build your confidence about stepping out of your comfort zone. Once you take that step you’re on the other side. And the best part for me is always the feeling of victory just for doing it!
Just move one toe if it’s all you can handle and stick it in the water, once your toe is in your foot will follow and before you know it you’ll be in the new situation.
If you want to be successful and do new things you’ve got to learn to be comfortable, being uncomfortable.
What new skill, relationship, job, or experience is awaiting you? What is holding you back from taking action? Will you do me a favor to help me celebrate my success of going to improve class? Do something this week that scares you, or makes you uncomfortable, that you know will move you toward where you want to go. I want you to feel as good as I do today for taking a small step that is leading me to a BIG result.
