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Are You A Friend Of God?
6 days ago
Monday, 9 March 2009
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Comfort zone is something that you do, behave and speak in the environment that is familiar to you and that you are more comfortable with. For most of us, we have found our comfort zones and some are still searching for it. But for those who have found their comfort zone they are more likely to stay and enjoy every bit of it. The fact that you are more likely to enjoy in the environment that you are more familiar with, makes you think more than once before going on the act of stepping out of that comfort zone. Some may feel anxious and are hesitant to give up the things that they have and just want to stay in the comforts of their zones.
We move here because my husband has a better job offer, a promising one and we see it as something advantageous for the kids and for the family as well. Moving in unfamiliar place is so hard. This means you have to learn the culture, governance, child care, education and what-not. There are a lot of adjustments to make but many more things to learn and discover in which I whole-heartedly embrace.
As for me, the career that I have back then; networks that I have established; and the friends that I build over the years all of these I left behind. It’s not an easy thing to live in a place that everything is so unfamiliar. A simple illustration was back in the Philippines I know and understand fully the labour laws and all it’s guidelines since it’s my work and it’s my country. Modesty aside, I have established my name in every company that I have worked with. My last job in Manila was indeed a comfort zone for me. The people that I worked with that I’m so comfortable working and exchanging of ideas; deliberately throw jokes and funny stories with my co-workers and the party that I planned for the group, I missed them all. And here everything is so different.
And I may say that I have stepped out of my comfort zone. Again, it’s never been easy but it gives me more room to know more about the things that is unknown to me. And to establish another network and friends in an unfamiliar place. This makes me a little more confident about myself and the learning that I have. A more competent and diverse individual I may say.
And I quote,
“In bullfighting there is a term called querencia. The querencia is the spot in the ring to which the bull returns. Each bull has a different querencia, but as the bullfight continues, and the animal becomes more threatened, it returns more and more often to his spot. As he returns to his querencia, he becomes more predictable. And so, in the end, the matador is able to kill the bull because instead of trying something new, the bull returns to what is familiar. His comfort zone.” - (Carly Fiorina, former Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard Co. from 1999 to 2005)
It will do no harm if you get out of your comfort zone and try something new. And so you won’t remain predictable.
We move here because my husband has a better job offer, a promising one and we see it as something advantageous for the kids and for the family as well. Moving in unfamiliar place is so hard. This means you have to learn the culture, governance, child care, education and what-not. There are a lot of adjustments to make but many more things to learn and discover in which I whole-heartedly embrace.
As for me, the career that I have back then; networks that I have established; and the friends that I build over the years all of these I left behind. It’s not an easy thing to live in a place that everything is so unfamiliar. A simple illustration was back in the Philippines I know and understand fully the labour laws and all it’s guidelines since it’s my work and it’s my country. Modesty aside, I have established my name in every company that I have worked with. My last job in Manila was indeed a comfort zone for me. The people that I worked with that I’m so comfortable working and exchanging of ideas; deliberately throw jokes and funny stories with my co-workers and the party that I planned for the group, I missed them all. And here everything is so different.
And I may say that I have stepped out of my comfort zone. Again, it’s never been easy but it gives me more room to know more about the things that is unknown to me. And to establish another network and friends in an unfamiliar place. This makes me a little more confident about myself and the learning that I have. A more competent and diverse individual I may say.
And I quote,
“In bullfighting there is a term called querencia. The querencia is the spot in the ring to which the bull returns. Each bull has a different querencia, but as the bullfight continues, and the animal becomes more threatened, it returns more and more often to his spot. As he returns to his querencia, he becomes more predictable. And so, in the end, the matador is able to kill the bull because instead of trying something new, the bull returns to what is familiar. His comfort zone.” - (Carly Fiorina, former Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard Co. from 1999 to 2005)
It will do no harm if you get out of your comfort zone and try something new. And so you won’t remain predictable.
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11 comments (+add yours?)
So you're moving to Singapore?
Amelia. I honestly think that going outside your comfort zone is a good thing. You "expand".
Singapore is a great country, they have one of the top education systems in the world and although a tiny country it is so beautiful (I think it is). I think you will like it and you will make new friends. Do keep us posted.
Hi Agnes! yes, we have moved here 10months ago...oowww nearly one year :) and hope and pray we can stay here for good, God willing :)
that's one big consideration we have, the education for the kids, I believe and now as a mum/parent you'll do everything what's best for the kids. the first time I went here I fell in-love with the place. am starting to make friends now and some network and hopefully everything will be fine. I know God is always guiding us :)
thanks much Agnes for being an on-line friend :) that sometimes I felt you're just sitting right next to me and hearing my stories :)
leaving our comfort zones challenges us to try on new things and take on new tasks. and it's always fulfilling when we make the then-hard-to-manage-situation-and-environment our new comfort zone.
and in your case, i believe that as long as you are with your family, the people that you love the most, things will always be bearable. God bless you! :)
thanks Jac! yes, I believe for as long as you have the reason to take the challenge and the FAMILY that I am so wonderfully in-love with everything is just oww so fine :))
Hi!
I love challenge in my life. This year, I try to learn about blogging. Wish I am not addicted to that. Great writing Amelia.
Don't worry...I am sure you will adapt !
But indeed... it is not easy to go abroad and leave the comfort zone...
it's when we get out of our comfort zone that we grow and learn.
Being too cozy in our comfort zone may be hazardous! :)
It does more harm than good ... it depletes our confidence, stops our learning process, turn us docile, bury our individualistic quality and kills our happiness.
You have made a great sacrifice when your hubby decided to work in Singapore. But remember ... it is not the end of you! It's an opportunity to renew your perspective and emerge as a stronger individual.
All the best in your every new undertakings!
I think it's wonderful that you were so willing to move outside of your comfort zone. Thanks for the reminder that it's beneficial for everyone to try new things!
thanks Wenny for that nice comment :)
Just wanna say i kinda love this site. Can i be friend with you :-)
Regards,
Jessica
http://www.forexfreedownload.com
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