Tweet

Smart Women Get Uncomfortable

Written by: Joy Chudacoff

Article Overview: This article is about getting uncomfortable and trying new things in life. When we have the opportunity to try new things, we have two choices: Say yes to something new, or say No and stay right where we are in our comfort zone. Sometimes in order to realize our passion and find our purpose in life, we have to get uncomfortable. We have to be willing to take a risk to live a life full of passion, purpose and meaning.

Smart Women Get Uncomfortable

I’m 48 years old and I have never been on ice skates. That is, until yesterday. My 5½-year-old daughter, Jenna, has taken an interest in ice skating and I typically take her to the ice arena here in Park City where we are on vacation. I watch her skate while listening to the most incredible music they are playing on the sound system (CC Revival and the soundtrack from The Big Chill). Every time we go, Jenna always asks me, “Mom, when are you going to ice skate with me?” And my answer has been, “Oh, maybe next time.” Yesterday, Jenna asked her usual question and as I prepared myself to give her the typical answer, she quickly spoke up and said, “Mom, please, please, skate today!” I finally admitted to Jenna that I had never been on ice skates before. Jenna’s answer: “Mom, it’s easy—I’ll teach you!” And so there was nothing left to do but rent the skates and prepare myself for what I thought would be a dreadful outcome.

My heart was racing as I approached the ice on unsteady skates. Another woman could sense my apprehension. The absolute look of terror on my face was probably also a clue! She shared with me that there was another entrance to the ice rink that had “wider rails to hold onto.” And hold onto the rails, I did! Clutching every step of the way in the beginning!

When you are faced with something new in your life, you have two choices: Yes, to learning something new and getting out of your comfort zone; or No, I’m going to stay exactly where I am. Being uncomfortable or unsure of yourself and your abilities is no fun. It holds the possibility of making mistakes that others can see and being unsure of the outcome—two things that we want to avoid at all costs. Let me ask you a question: What is it costing you? What is your unwillingness to explore and discover something new costing you along the way? I can tell you that if I had not rented those skates and joined my daughter on the ice, the cost of not having the experience would have been high—possibly priceless.

As I made my way around the ice rink with Jenna a few times, I found that I was becoming a little more sure of myself. I was able to stop looking at my feet and the ice in front of me and actually look around a bit to see others skating. And here is the part that was totally unexpected. Total strangers would skate up to me to offer me tips. Sharing how to prevent a possible fall, places in the rink to avoid where the ice was not as solid. And, as I eventually was able to let go of the rails for a moment or two, those strangers would skate by and say, “Looking Good!” I had coaches, mentors and teachers all around me—people who love to ice skate and wanted to share it with a beginner like me. And my biggest fan? Yep, you guessed—Jenna! She was beaming and full of compliments every step of the way.

How about you? Is there something that you want to do or others have encouraged you to try and you keep avoiding the experience for fear of failure? What I learned that day was when we try something new, we will most likely fall down. It’s the attitude we take on when we get up that makes all the difference. And there are coaches, teachers and mentors everywhere waiting to share their knowledge with you so that, you too, can take on something new in your life—something that can possibly bring on new energy, passion and growth.

This past weekend, I watched many of the interviews with Michael Phelps (the new eight-time world record holder for swimming in the Olympics) and his first coach from when he was a young boy said that there was one trait Michael has always had. “He’s never afraid to take a risk or put it out there.” Well said. We have to take risks and get uncomfortable in life if we truly want to manifest all the passion and purpose that our lives are meant for.

Jenna and I skated for about an hour yesterday and I have to say that I was sad to leave the ice. What I anticipated was going to be a disaster turned out to be full of fun. I was willing to take a risk and get out of my comfort zone, moving through my fear. And in the end, it felt good.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

Related Articles
  Are Men Smarter Than Women
  Smart Women Take the Leap
  Smart Women Love To Party
  Franchise Businesses Appeal to Women Entrepreneurs
  How Smart Women Stay Connected

Article Tags: apprehension, big chill, clue, comfort zone, daughter jenna, heart, ice skates, mom, music, revival, system cc, terror, two choices, typical answer



Related Forum Posts
Re: History of Women in Business in the United States - Yes. Women have increasingly made positive economic contributions to society and their position is being recognized more and more as seen on the Forbes List of Executive Women. In general, women can be a bit more practical in their approach as entrepreneurs too.
A ton of Great Women - You might want to profile Teresa Cascioli of LakePort Brewery. She has an amazing story! I met her at at the celebratory luncheon for the Profit/Chatelaine Top 100 Women Business Owners. The Top 100 list is also a great resource for inspirational stories of Women Entrepreneurs.
Re: Are entrepreneur women more organized than men? - Women are generally more organised than men. They have good instincts more than men. Women are generally aggressive when it come to business. You don't want to mess up with them.
Re: Are entrepreneur women more organized than men? - The issue of women being more organized than men is true, start from you home, just see how messy the boys are. Women are also very cautious, unlike men who take any risk, a woman will analyze the risk first. Women are also go getter when it comes to business, once they make their mind, then they go for it.
Re: Why aren't there more women entrepreneurs? - My opinion on this (being a women, and being disabled), is; Women in general like security. Women are the caretakers, in general. In the work environment we are the one to have children. We are the ones who leave work to do this. We deal with a stigma that we are bad mothers if we work, but we are a bad mother if we do not work. I feel there is no way a man could ever understand this. Sure they can try, and some do a good job of it, however they truly do not understand. How could they?? Being a entrepreneur is throwing cation to the wind. It takes believing in yourself. It takes a women who can have someone say no, put us down or just plan old negativity and for us to turn it around. Women who can do this are called names, while men in the business world are just expected to have a thick skin. Studies show in the work environment that women are more apt to be bullies. Women are more apt to turn on each other. We expect more out of each other. Many women also use the work environment to socialize and to find a mate. Men and women are not created equal. Once we understand this and take what we are and "run" with it; the better all of us will be. Women business owners, women entrepreneurs are still considered a minority. Since there are more women then men in this world, some day this will turn around. This too is why men need to protect themselves and keep us under some kind of control. What bothers me to no end is when women give in to the mans world using sex as a selling tool. We need strong women leaders, not those who use their bodies as a step up. This is just my opinion on this subject.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

How Many Buckets Do You Need for Retirement?

Business Coach Explains To You How To Add Value

E Mail Marketing Campaigns

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.