Chip Shots - Exploring Foreign Territory
Here at Lead Change Group, we know that problems are most effectively solved when individuals come together to meld ideas, energies, and approaches.
To use a golf analogy, not every shot is a long drive. Many times, golfers have to take a chip shot to move the ball along for a short distance, with incisive accuracy.
If you are new to the Chip Shots green, welcome. In our Chip Shots feature, our Leading Voices are invited to provide brief insights into a leadership-related topic.
To learn more, spend some time browsing the entire Chip Shots Series.
Today’s Question
To align with the Lead Change Group suggested theme for June:
What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to explore "foreign territory?" (It could be work-related, personal, or a combination.)
David Dye says:
Do you ever wish you could go back in time and give your younger self courage? Well - you can!
When you’re reluctant to explore new territory, it’s often because you’re scared - of looking foolish, of feeling inadequate, or of success and anxiety that everyone will always expect that from you in the future. One way to overcome these fears is to imagine your ideal self thirty years from now. As you look back on your life from thirty years ahead, are you glad you took that risk? What did it do for you? How did you respond when things didn’t go the way you planned?
This "conversation" with yourself often puts the current challenge in perspective and gives you the courage for that next st
Jon Mertz shares:
My simple advice would be to just "go!" If the new territory doesn't contain life-threatening or compromising concerns, then go to experience new thoughts and interactions. Many times, new places are where long-lasting soul sparks happen. Be open. Discover.
Mike Henry, Sr., states:
The cost of any choice is what you give up. Which choice will you most regret not making? For me, fear disguises itself as a desire for comfort, the absence of risk, or living my life on auto-pilot. I don't often say no, I say wait. Waiting is my trigger. I have learned that the desire to wait is my version of fear. If we value living our lives well, will the comfortable, easy things be the things we appreciate most? Look back at your last 7 days. How much of your time spent do you most appreciate? For me, I appreciate the time I did the right, hard, or one-time thing. Everything else just feels like reruns.
Will Lukang contributes:
If you never tried you'll never know how it's like to explore and learn. What's it like to achieve something you otherwise thought you're not capable of. Do you want to play what ifs? Or, do you rather find out what you're capable of. Seize the moment and make it happen. Live a life with no regrets.
Thank you David, Jon, Mike and Will, for taking a shot at this question!
I appreciate all the different perspectives our instigators bring today. I especially related to Mike’s comment: “Waiting is my trigger. I have learned that the desire to wait is my version of fear.” I never thought of that. Fear can disguise itself in a variety of seemingly benign ways.
Jon’s comment, “My simple advice would be to just “go!”” reminds me of the quotation from Wayne Gretzky, the accomplished hockey player, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I must use it weekly with my clients, and need to remember it applies to me too. I know this one has been around awhile, but it is communicates an important message so concisely, but not quite as concise as Jon’s “just go!”
Well done, everyone!
I really enjoyed this topic! I am glad you found some use for it as well.
I believe that the worst decision is the one you are too scared to make. Just like Jon said if it is not life-threatening or does not involve compromising concerns, you better go for it. The worst thing it could happen would be to learn a valuable lesson.
This is true! Thanks for your comment.
Nicely stated responses … kudos to all:)
The presence of fear in our choice equation swas noted throughout, because this is probably the core ingredient that makes moving into unknown territory so difficult for many of us. To see the power of fear of the unknown, one impacting example is the tendency for many abused women who stay with their abusers, rather than risk moving into unknown territory by leaving them, even when to do so compromises their safety.
I particularly like Mike Henry’s lead observation that “The cost of any choice is what you give up.” While we cannot always know (especially when making a decision) what the costs of doing or not doing might be, we need to continually remind ourselves that the cost is there, whether we consider it or not.
A final comment that notes a drawback to moving into unknown territory or at least a point for concern: Back in the day, a favorite poster contained the message to “Bloom Where You Are Planted”. It connects to this theme in my mind because even unknown territory becomes familiar territory over time. We would do well to remind ourselves to make the most of what we have, rather than continually seek the new and unknown. Just a thought:) …
John
All good thoughts, John.
Love this article…life begins on the edge of the comfort zone. We should always push ourselves to get out of the comfort zone. The growth zone is a muddy, sticky, & uncomfortable place. But we must spend most of our time there to experience a life of significance.
Muddy, sticky, uncomfortable — check! check! check! Very true but as you point out those experiences can be keys to a significant life! Thanks for your comment!