Big Learning Happens When We Stretch & Grow

Seize the Opportunity to Stretch & Grow
One of the best ways to learn is to step out of your comfort zone and do something new and different. Sometimes we are presented with opportunities to stretch and grow. I am grateful to have been asked to serve as a subject-matter-expert in informational videos for the pilot Association for Talent Development (ATD) Instructional Design (ID) Resource Center. Of course, I answered with an enthusiastic, “Absolutely, count me in!” This was an opportunity that I couldn’t afford to pass up, although, it was completely out of my comfort zone. You don’t get many opportunities to share expert knowledge for an international industry association like ATD, so I jumped at the chance!

This meant that I would have to leap out of my comfort zone and step in front of the video camera. I have no problems with getting in front of a group of people to facilitate training, nor conducting webinars in a virtual environment. The video shoot setting was something totally new to me, and I was anxious and extremely nervous.

After I got over the initial nervousness (OK, I never completely got beyond the nervousness!), I was able to talk about the subjects which I know and can speak about, without much thought. I am not going to say that it was easy, because it wasn’t. However, I will say that taking the opportunity to stretch my capabilities has benefited me with tremendous growth and a feeling of accomplishment. I learned a lot by placing myself in a very uncomfortable situation and feel good about conquering the challenge.

Take Action

In the next month, I challenge you to seek opportunities to be uncomfortable. Find ways to stretch and grow your capabilities. Don’t forget to celebrate your growth moments. You owe it to yourself to acknowledge your learning accomplishments. Feel free to share with me, how you have stretched and grown in the last 30 days. Take the challenge, you won’t regret it!