Reading our last two posts, hopefully you’re thinking a little more about where you operate. Or maybe you’re thinking ‘It’s easy for him to say…..’ Well, yes. It does sounds easy, doesn’t it? But you know that things are never that straightforward. We all have fears and weaknesses. It’s not about being devoid of them, but rather, about showing up in spite of them. It’s a choice we make.
And it is always easier to talk about something than to take action. But people who know me also know that I believe that actions speak louder than words. I don’t like just hearing about places; I want to see them for myself. I don’t want to know how many reps you’ve done, how far you’ve run, how many books you’ve read or mountains you’ve climbed in the past, I want to know what’s next. And I don’t want to tell you about what I’ve done – time spent talking is time better spent living life. And, for me, that means operating in the red zone and challenging myself every day.
The good news is that this isn’t limited to me. You too can learn to ignore those little voices, develop your operator within, and use discomfort and fear as motivation to succeed. This is where we come in.
Thanks to our background and training, we are uniquely placed to assist you in reaching your goals. These may be physical; to build muscle, run a marathon, complete 10 push-ups. Or they may be mental; to become a better leader or manager, to become more self-disciplined or confident. Either way, the process is the same.
Start small but make a definite move into your red zone. Do something you have never done or take an activity you already love further. It is natural to have hesitation when stepping into unchartered waters. What you need to know is you are not unique. Everyone does. The key is not letting those doubts and fears control the process or the outcome.
Look at your tribe. The cohort you train with, work with or play with. Are their behaviours, attitudes and habits helping you or holding you back? Do they inspire you to grow? If their skill and proficiency exceeds yours, then good. It will force you to step up. They say you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, so your tribe matters. Surround yourself with people that can teach and push you beyond your limits.
Lastly and critically, is taking action. Everyone talks, but not everyone does. The experience is in the doing, not the knowing. So whatever it is, just start. Begin taking steps towards your goals, no matter how small. One step leads to another and another and with each step you learn. Your experience and confidence expand, and with it, the boundaries of your red and green zones change. You have grown. You have strengthened the operator within, the only person with which you ever truly compete.