Why Stepping Outside Your Lane is the Key to Growth (For Startups and Fussy Toddlers)

Our new helper arrived, a calming presence I thought perfect for my daughter. But there's a toddler truth I was about to discover: little ones can be particular about who does what with them. Thankfully, this "who gets to do what" phase seems universal!

Just as her beloved school camp approached (an event she normally adores), a stomach bug threw a wrench in the plans. Suddenly, the challenge became keeping her happy at home with the helper while both my wife and I tackled work from home. Enter origami! Armed with videos, paper, scissors, and coloring pens, my helper embarked on a crafty adventure with my daughter, hoping to bridge the gap and create a new kind of fun (fingers crossed she wouldn't just gravitate back to the familiar comfort of her parents).

This got me thinking – how much does this behavior mirror our adult selves? We build routines, establish comfort zones, and then...well, we get comfortable. But comfort, as delicious as it feels, can be the enemy of growth. In the startup world, clinging to the familiar is a recipe for stagnation. Imagine a world where Google never ventured beyond search or Apple stuck with just computers.

The key, as with my daughter and the school camp, is to gently nudge ourselves out of that comfort zone. Here's a framework I use to push past my own resistance to new things:

1. Identify Your "Comfort Traps": What are the routines, habits, or situations that keep you feeling safe but stagnant? Be honest with yourself!

2. Start Small: Don't jump from A to Z overnight. Pick a bite-sized challenge related to your comfort trap. Is it learning a new skill? Networking with a different group of people? Start small and celebrate the wins.

3. Find Your "Origami Helper": Who or what can help you explore this new territory? Maybe it's a mentor, a course, or even a fun online tutorial (like the origami that's currently captivating my daughter!).

4. Reframe Discomfort: Discomfort isn't a sign of failure, it's a sign of growth. Think of it as stretching a muscle – it might be a little achy at first, but it gets easier with time.

5. Celebrate the Journey: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. The more you reward yourself for stepping outside your comfort zone, the easier it becomes.

Remember, growth rarely happens in the comfort zone. So, take a cue from my daughter (hopefully, minus the tantrum) and embrace the new. With a little nudge (and maybe some origami), you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.