To get something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.
My coach used to say that to us all the time. Back then, for me, that quote embodied a chase for perfection and a need for validation, but now this quote really rings true to me as I embark on my longest trip ever by myself.
And this trip isn’t to sit on the beach and relax, this trip is 10 days, with full intention to make a difference and to network so that I can make an even bigger difference. This trip is an intentional effort for me to reach my goals. This trip is an intentional effort to break mental health stigma and to help people, directly or indirectly.
But this thing that I have never done before, is scary, and sad because I will be away from my loved ones for so long. It’s scary because I have put in a lot of time and even more money and I am not sure what will be on the other side.
But I am reminded when I need it the most, that what I am doing is important. Just after crying and saying goodbye to my fiance, I received a message about an article about me and my story featured in the Boston Globe, an opportunity that is held with high prestige, an opportunity that I am so incredibly honored to have. This article was a reminder as I stepped onto the plane for my journey, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. This trip reminds me of how proud I am of myself for going after my dreams, for not listening to anyone who might have thought my decision was too risky or not a good idea. I made a decision for me, and it felt really good to think about what I wanted and to believe in my core that I was good enough and worthy of trusting my own intuition to get closer to my goals.
To reach our goals, we truly have to do things we have never done. I am grateful this quote has taken on a new meaning for me as I find beauty in this newfound experience that can help me to change, and possibly save lives.
We have to push ourselves out of our comfort zones in order to even get close to reaching our goals. We have to try new things, we have to challenge ourselves, we have to get used to being uncomfortable. We have to be okay with making mistakes, that turn into lessons, and therefore lead to growth.
I know that these next few days away from home will be uncomfortable, but they will be filled with new experiences, mistakes, forgiveness of those mistakes, invaluable lessons learned, and an opportunity to get closer to reaching my goals. And I couldn’t be more thankful to even have this experience.
Whatever your goal is, even if it feels scary or far away, take that first uncomfortable step because you never know where it will lead you. If you stay on the side of comfort, you may never experience the life-changing moments of those uncomfortable experiences that not only get you closer to your goal but mold you into a person that will be unstoppable.
So go be uncomfortable. Go do that thing that scares you that you have never done. You will end up with a wealth of new knowledge and discovery about yourself. I’m so excited to see what’s on the other side for us when we continue to step out of our comfort zones.
Xo,