This is the start of a new series, “3 Habits of a Healthy Entrepreneur”.
In this series we will be talking about:
- Habit #1: Getting out of your comfort zone
- Habit #2: Planning intentional rest
- Habit #3: Growing in community
But first, a couple of thoughts before we dive in.
First, these habits are not only for entrepreneurs. These are habits that can easily be applied to our personal lives too. Second, I totally reserve the right to add on another habit or two as inspiration strikes. š Writerās prerogative.
Do you need to get out of your comfort zone?
Iāve always HATED public speaking. It terrifies me.
Growing up, I was the kid that would beg to take an F on an assignment if it meant I could stay safely seated at my desk.
There was only one time when my Mom relented. In Grade 5, our teacher made us get up in front of the class to sing a solo.
Uh no. Absolutely not.
My Mom let off the hook on that one.
Through tears and talking with the teacher (and YES, this was all done at her desk in front of my fellow students), she gave me the option to sing a duet with one of my friends who graciously agreed.
I stared at the floor and mumbled my way through the song.
In college, I took Oral Interpretation instead of speech so could avoid writing and memorizing a speech. In Oral Interp Class, could pick something to read and hold it in my hands during delivery and no memorization was required. To me, it was the lesser of the two awful options.
Amazingly, by the end of the semester, I was only freaking out when it was my turn instead of being on the verge of running out of the classroom in utter terror. What I learned in that class still serves me today.
In a couple of jobs after college, I did a lot of traveling to trade shows where I had to talk about and sell our products and services. It required me to turn on āTrade Show Martaā and allow plenty of time for quiet and rest in the evenings.
The years of working at these trade show events taught me so many lessons that still serve me today.
Fast forward to today andā¦
- Earlier this week, I gave a webinar presentation about websites and branding to the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs.
- On Thursday, I led a great conversation with the ladies in my Selah Mastermind. It was fun!
- Today, Friday, Iām leading a workshop for those who registered for my Quarterly Business Review Workshop.
Why am I sharing my history of public speaking and presenting?
Because getting out of my comfort zone has been, and continues to be, an important part of my journey as a business owner and leader.
It needs to be a habit for you, too. Itās not something you can ignore if you want your business to not only survive but thrive and grow.
What does getting out of your comfort zone look like?
- For me, itās getting visible and in front of the people in my target market. Itās about sharing what I do, the problems I solve, and how I can help.
- For you, it may be about owning your expertise, and saying yes to a project you can do but scares you a little.
- For someone else, it may be about learning a new piece of tech or finally saying yes to hiring help for that tech.
As home-based business owners, itās easy to hide in our offices and not push ourselves to do more, and try something new.
No, itās difficult, but it is necessary. And like me, you may surprise yourself with what you learn and discover what you are capable of along the way.
The Power of Community Can Help
Itās not always easy to take steps like this alone. What can make it easier is to have encouragers and cheerleaders by your side to motivate you and give you the gentle push we all need sometimes to do the hard stuff.
More than once Iāve reached out to my friends and my Selah Mastermind community to ask for help when Iām taking a big step. Their support has been invaluable.
If you are looking for the support and encouragement of a community, the Selah Mastermind might be just what you are looking for, click here to learn more.
Your next stepā¦
As you read through this email, I would guess that something came to mind for you. What have you been avoiding because it feels scary to step out of your comfort zone?
What is that one thing that came to mind? Get in touch and let me know. Iād love to encourage you and cheer you on as you make plans to step beyond your comfort zone.
Marta Goertzen is an entrepreneur, writer, WordPress Website developer, and nature photographer. She daily explores the trails and beaches of the South Central Oregon Coast with her dogs Oliver & Mochi. You can follow along on their adventures on Instagram. Marta also fully believes that change starts with gratitude and that gratitude can change everything. Find out how with the “Grateful Friday 7-Days of Gratitude Starter Kit”