Where's my comfort zone?

It happens to the best of us. We finally get to the point where we are content with our existence. Business is going okay. Product line is stable. Finances are in order. And then someone comes along and presents us with a golden opportunity...one that makes our current position look stagnant...one that could propel us further than we thought imaginable. Oh no! No, no, no, no, no! Panic starts to set in. Why? Because we feel safe right where we are. Because THAT is uncharted territory for us. Because it would require us to venture outside of our comfort zone where we have the warm fuzzies.

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom." -Alicia Keys, The Element of Freedom

One of my favorite children's books is the Dr. Seuss classic "Are you my mother?" Knowing that her baby bird is going to be born soon, the mother bird journey's off to get some food. While she is away, the egg hatches and baby bird emerges. In an attempt to find his mother, the baby bird spreads his wings...then drops to the ground. Realizing that he can't fly, he chooses not to give up trying to find his mother. He meets other animals (and pieces of technology) along the way, asking the same question: "Are YOU my mother?" The story ends with him walking onto a crane and being afraid as it lifts him back up to his nest. A moment later, the mother bird returns with food for the baby bird.

My question to you: How will you ever learn how to fly if you never leave the nest? The nest, like your current position, represents a comfort zone, a safe haven. Once you step outside of that, you have no idea what it holds. You enter another chapter, another world...and are afforded an opportunity to grow your business and expand your horizon. If it works out positively, you will have opened the door to a new market. If it doesn't pan out, you will take some valuable lessons with you. But the best part is that you don't regret NOT stepping out on faith.

So...this is your big push. Spread your wings and soar!!