Becoming Extra-Ordinary; The freedom of Being Yourself-Lessons learned from Stepping out of your Comfort Zone:

My 2024 started on an ultimate low, with loss of a loved one and the ultimate sad and sinking feeling of going back to a job that , while I deeply love the profession, the work environment had gradually become quite uncomfortable for me.

I had felt uncomfortable for a number of years and felt I needed to step out, I wanted more, I knew I was capable of so much more deep inside especially with impacting and transforming lives surgically through education, mentorship and coaching.

Deep inside, I knew that for me to have greater impact meant that I had to step out of the comfort of my current job, what was familiar for me for many years.

It made me question what success meant for me and what Success looked like for me?

What my values were?

and

Ultimately what was my why?

So in deep retrospect and in review of a book I read many years ago, here are some Lessons that I have learned from stepping out of my comfort zone and becoming Extra-ordinary.

1. Recognize and Embrace the Uniqueness of Your dream and your path;

It is quite pertinent to recognize that each person's dream is unique for you as an individual and distinct.

Appreciate the individuality of your aspirations which are aligned to your dreams, values, goals and purpose.

Do not compare your unique self and unique dreams to others.

Your dream has been given to you for a reason by God.

Your dreams hold value and purpose in your life and ultimately our unique dreams make us our authentic self.

2.Learn to step out of your Comfort Zone and face fear in order to achieve your dreams and be Extra-ordinary.

Remember that growth and progress can only happen when we are willing to leave behind the familiar, the norm and routine mundane life and confront the unknown, unfamiliar and the uncomfortable.

By venturing out of your comfort zone, we challenge ourselves to overcome our inner fears and limitations.

Venturing out of your comfort zone can be very very uncomfortable and intimidating. However by doing exactly this- stepping out of your comfort space, we challenge ourselves to embrace the discomfort.

Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to open ourselves to ;

New Possibilities

and

New Experiences

Stepping out of your comfort zones allows us to discover our hidden talents, strengths and potential abilities and giftings that we never knew existed.

Learning to step out of your comfort zone pushes you to develop resilience ,adaptability and courage.

3. Embrace the Significance of perseverance and endurance when faced with setbacks and challenges;

In order to pursue your dreams and step out of your comfort zone, you must be willing to overcome obstacles and never give up.

Learn that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the journey of becoming extra-ordinary. By persevering through difficulties ,setbacks and challenges you develop the resilience and determination to succeed.

Setbacks should be seen as opportunities for growth and improvement rather than reasons to give up.

Perseverance allows us to;

Push through adversity and

Learn from our mistake and ultimately come out stronger on the other side.

Success is not just about talent or luck but about the willingness to keep going when things get tough.

4.Invest In the Power of believing in oneself and faith in the fulfillment of your dreams, stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming extra-ordinary.

Self belief and faith are essential elements in transforming your dreams into reality and tap into your inner potential.

5. Learn the Value of Seeking guidance and mentorship from those who have already achieved similar dreams or who are ahead of you.

Mentorship, Coaching and Guidance form a crucial part of your extra-ordinary journey.

Mentors and Coaches offer guidance, practical hands on advice, provide support and encouragement during your journey.

One can gain valuable insights.

Mentors and Coaches help you avoid common pitfalls and be inspired. They help us navigate challenges , overcome obstacles and stay focused and remain motivated.

From mentors you are able to tap into their knowledge and expertise.

Mentors and coaches offer a sense of accountability and guidance helping you remain on track.

6. Learn the Necessity of Letting go of Familiarity and Embrace the Unknown in order to fully pursue the dream.

True fulfillment and success, becoming extra-ordinary often necessitates stepping out of your comfort zones.

It is quite important to break free from the constraints of routine and familiar surroundings. BY venturing into unknown territories we open up ourselves to;

New opportunities

New experiences and perspectives that can lead us to our dreams.

It teaches us to be brave and to be willing to leave behind what we know even when it feels safe and comfortable.

Embracing the unknown entails letting go of the security and predictability that familiar brings. It allows us to explore our full potential and our stretch limits.

Letting go of familiar, encourages us to have faith in ourselves and the journey ahead even if it means venturing into unchartered territories.

7. Realize the importance of appreciating the Process and the Journey;

The journey through your self transformation is equally important, transformative and as rewarding as achieving the dream itself.

It encourages you to appreciate the challenges and obstacles that you faced along the way. The journey is valuable. It helps you to develop perseverance, resilience and a stronger sense of purpose .

It teaches us to value the lessons learned through the journey, the relationships formed and the personal growth achieved during the pursuit of your dreams and your unique self.

Embrace the entire journey, recognize that it is an integral part of achieving your dreams.

As I conclude, as you start out and step out of your comfort zone in this journey,

Learn to take small steps and appreciate the milestones achieved,

Trust the process.

Be patient and kind to yourself.

Redefine success for yourself ,uniquely as you and how success looks like.

Have time for yourself.

What brings you joy and fulfillment?

What does success looks like for you.

Step Out and be your Extra-ordinary self.