My life and the comfort zone

Through my life, I have always pushed myself a little with attending courses to further my knowledge, feeling uncomfortable but pushing through it, to see what I could achieve. But back in 2012 I was introduced to the Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters and realised that in other areas of my life, my chimp had been in control and I had ran away from challenges and the opportunities of stepping out of my comfort zone due the the uncomfortable feeling of FEAR. 

In 2017, I made a decision to change this and to start pushing myself to see what I can achieve. It's not been plain sailing, there have been times where I have not taken a risk but I definitely do more than I did. 

How do I get out of my comfort zone?

In 2017, I started learning how to canoe and kayak, this was something I enjoyed when younger and had not had a chance to do after being introduced to it again in 2016, I made the decision to work towards becoming a competent paddler. This as had its challenges, especially on moving water (Rivers). 

In the canoe and kayaking world, there was a just jump in and get going on the river. I would do this but my chimp would be in overdrive and full of panic, which then went in to complete panic when I swam. 

Being an athletic coach, I knew there would be a technique to paddling and I also knew there must be a way of reading the river. Which I was completely unaware of. 

On my first lesson in Kayaking, I met a great guy called Andy who was training to become a coach, I would discuss with him my concerns and he understood and we would go paddling on still water to improve my skills. But moving water was definitely a no go. 

In 2020 I came across Adam a canoe coach who was also a personal development (mind coach), I thought great someone who can help me with my chimp.  We had a chat and he realised there may be a little more than a chimp issue. I had sessions with Adam and we started to work through them, the results have been amazing and I will be forever grateful to him for the support he's given me over the last couple of years. 

In December 2020 Adam got me on moving water, in a canoe going Tandem with him, we have had a number of sessions together and I am becoming more confident with the skills that I am gaining and I will continue to move forward with this goal.

I made the decision in 2017 I was not going to give up on this challenge and this is why, I want to get comfortable being uncomfortable and being able to continue moving forward when I feel the challenge without running away. 

When on the water, you have to react to what the river is doing and so you can feel a little uncomfortable and I am learning to deal with that. Even though when I went for a swim, my chimp kicked in and said he was not going to go in the water again. 

Adam, soon got me in the water swimming with his patience, support and encouragement. 

I have also done indoor climbing to push myself out of the comfort zone which as given me some interesting results

Are you ready to challenge yourself?

In 2022, I am organising retreats with Adam for ladies who are wanting to step out of their comfort zone, who are feeling there must be more to life. These retreats will offer the coaching to prepare for taking the step, the support and encouragement while you make the step and the celebration when you achieve the goal you set out to achieve. 

 For more information about these retreats sign up for information I am ready to challenge myself