Liz Career Coaching

Beyond Limits: Stepping out of your comfort zone

Liz Herrera Season 7 Episode 60

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In today's episode of the "Liz Herrera Career Coaching Podcast," I reflect on my journey of launching this podcast and the leaps of faith it required. I share about  the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones. Through stories of my own challenges and those of inspiring individuals I've encountered, I paint a picture of the incredible opportunities that arise when we dare to move beyond what's familiar. Whether it's  learning new technology or speaking on unfamiliar platforms, every challenge I've faced has spurred personal and professional growth. I offer listeners practical guidance on how to embrace new experiences, share their unique stories, maintain a growth mindset, and face fears with determination. I'm a firm believer that our most significant growth occurs outside our comfort zones, and it's often our self-imposed limitations that hold us back. Join me in this episode as I encourage everyone to push their boundaries and step into reaching endless potential.

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

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Liz Herrera Career Coaching Podcast - Season 7

Intro

Hello and welcome to Season 7 of the "Liz Career Coaching Podcast". I'm Liz Herrera, your host. I'm a strengths-based career coach with over 15 years of experience in the field of career development. My mission is to empower individuals to embrace their strengths and pave their unique career journey.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Today, we're discussing the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone. Truth be told, launching this podcast was, and continues to be, my personal challenge. I was always curious. Yet fears about technology, choosing the right platform, mastering editing software, and most of all, publicly sharing my thoughts, held me back.

However, with encouragement from my younger brother, one of my biggest supporters, I took a leap of faith. The initial goal was to complete one season. Admittedly, I faced moments of doubt, especially after receiving some constructive criticism. The idea of giving up seemed tempting. But, I didn't give up and I soon discovered the rewards. Through this platform, I've met incredible individuals and received messages from listeners who found inspiration in an episode. This journey has enriched my professional and personal life, and it all began by stepping outside my comfort zone.

I often sound like a broken record, always encouraging my students, clients, and mentees to push their boundaries. If you're listening, I'm encouraging you to do the same.

In the undergraduate career course I teach, I often share an exercise that highlights the importance of leaving one's comfort zone for personal development:

  1. Recall an Instance: Think about a time you stepped out of your comfort zone, be it personal, work-related, or a hobby.
  2. Reflect on Emotions: Consider your feelings before, during, and after the experience. What motivated you? What did you learn? Often, these experiences lead to newfound realizations, confidence, and even enjoyment.

Many of you might be contemplating the next steps in your career or personal life. Whether it's eyeing a higher position, leading a project, joining a board, or changing career paths, it's common to hesitate due to self-imposed beliefs. I challenge you to shift that mindset. Take risks, trust in your strengths, and seize opportunities.

Tips for Breaking Out

  1. Try New Things: From volunteering for a new work project to voicing your opinions in meetings or networking, small steps can lead to growth.
  2. Share Your Story: Embrace vulnerability. Share your experiences. Whether it's participating in a panel, speaking at an event, or being a guest on a podcast, your story can inspire others.

Remember, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial when confronting challenges. See them as growth opportunities. The skills you acquire, especially adaptability, can give you a competitive edge. An example from my life? A few years ago, I faced apprehension over a virtual speaking opportunity, mainly due to unfamiliarity with the technology. But after pushing through, not only did it become a delightful experience, but it also equipped me with a skill that was invaluable during the pandemic-era shift to virtual platforms.

Comfort zones might be pleasant, but they can stifle dreams. Embrace challenges, confront fears, and soar to new heights. As we conclude, I'll share a quote that deeply resonates with me, "The limitations you put on yourself are the only things holding you back from greatness."

Thank you for joining me today on the "Liz Herrera Career Coaching Podcast". I am excited to share more insights and inspiration with you this season. Connect with me on LinkedIn or follow me on Instagram at Liz Career Coaching. Until our next time, I'm Liz Herrera, your career coach and job search ally.