Step into the Unknown to Propel Your Growth

If you know me, you know that I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky – I simply love the rush. Recently, my family and I spent time on an adventure tour in Belize caving, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling and zip-lining. I must admit that watching my kids do all these activities was a bit terrifying as a parent, but I’m immensely proud of their ability to step out of their comfort zone and go for it. I believe that’s a skill that will serve them well throughout their lifetime.

If you’ve ever been rappelling, you know the feeling of exhilaration, mixed with a hint of fear, when you take that first step off the ledge. It’s an uncomfortable feeling of leaving solid ground and stepping into the unknown. Of course, you take precautions like training, securing the proper gear and following instructions to minimize the risk of failure, but the butterflies in your stomach never fully leave. In many ways, starting a new job or assignment at work is like stepping off a ledge.

I recently took on a new opportunity running Operations for AT&T. Some parts of the job are familiar to me while other functions are totally new. My new team drives programs and initiatives that touch every consumer sales and service channel in our business. These rock stars make a HUGE impact to millions of customers and thousands of employees every day. When you’re making an enormous impact, big risks come along with it. I like to think of the possible dangers as a giant potential for reward.

When you’re considering a significant job change, it’s easy to choose the more comfortable path. It’s not easy to choose something mysterious, but when you’re courageous enough to step out of your comfort zone, that’s when meaningful growth happens. So, remember to take the right precautions like getting your degree, reading all you can and using your network. Then, step off that ledge into the unfamiliar and grow. Unlike rappelling, there’s no potential for physical harm on that new job you’re considering. Get comfortable being uncomfortable!