Pushing yourself

When's the last time you did something for the first time?

Pushing yourself can be one of the most uncomfortable tasks and one of the most frightening ways to grow, but it's so necessary. I think that breaking free from your comfort zone can be equally as terrifying as it is liberating.

I used to refuse to push myself...I mean really push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. The comfort zone is happy, and obviously, comfortable. I knew what to expect when I stayed in my comfort zone. I could predict what would happen next and that made me feel safe. I was ambitious in high school and college, but still in a safe sort of way.

Since starting my job, I've slowly but surely started pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Because news flash - you have to make that decision and do the pushing for yourself. Working for such a high power office and being around high power people has motivated me to set my personal and professional goals even higher. And, I've learned that if you want to survive, scratch that, thrive in this world...you've got to talk yourself into doing things that aren't comfortable. I think we're all afraid of how incredible the results of pushing ourselves can be...we're intimidated by our potential.

I didn't realize that I'd crossed the line of comfort until I went to New York earlier this month. My first day there, I explored the city for about 5 hours by myself. I didn't have a plan, I didn't know where I was or where I was going, and I had no idea what to expect. But I got on the subway, got off, and started walking. As I walked around the streets of that intimidating city, I realized that I had pushed myself, and I was happy with the results. I loved that day in NYC because of the emotional rush of liberation, pride, and self-esteem that followed my gusty 5 hour adventure. I wouldn't have imagined doing this last year. But I've grown and I've learned how to push myself in even the most uncomfortable situations.

Another example: I used to be so afraid of introducing myself to new people, especially people in authority. Of course, I respected those people and wanted to be like them, but I wouldn't dare walk up and just start talking. Now? It's become almost second nature. If I'm lucky enough to attend an event with a person whom I really respect and want to meet, I push myself - pushing myself to overcome the nerves, the anxiety, the doubts - and I walk up to him or her and start talking. I remind myself that one day I plan to be successful and someone that a young professional is eager to meet (future role reversal), and it calms my nerves.

After meeting my ultimate boss (the governor) and realizing that people in power are people too; meeting other notable people recently has become easier and easier. Just this month I've met television correspondents, GA's attorney general, famous attorneys, and other really accomplished people in the political and communications fields.

And just yesterday, I sent a cold email to a woman who I'd like to serve as my professional email. Even if she doesn't respond, I'm proud that I pushed myself to write an honest email and press "send."

It doesn't have to be one giant push. It's taken me lots of time and lots of personal pep talks to get to where I am today. And I still have a ways to go.

I don't think you have to make a set plan or list of things to push yourself on (but if that's what works for you, do it). But I do believe when the opportunity presents itself -  at work, in your social life, in your family life, or elsewhere - push yourself. It's gotten me so far and created so many opportunities that would have never existed had I stayed in place.

Is there something you have trouble pushing yourself to do? 
What advice do you have?