Chapter 11
Being different
The older we get the more set in our ways we become. The more unlikely we are
to try something outside the box, so to speak. This can prove to be a very
limiting factor. How many times have you thought - “Geeze, I wish I'd thought of
that”. Chances are, you probably could of if only you'd been able to think
outside the square.
How can you avoid getting into a rut? Well, unfortunately you have to do things
that aren't comfortable and most likely you also don't really like doing. For
example, if you like reading spy novels then maybe reading something like a
western. You probably feel that you wouldn't like it but how do you know until
you try? My grandfather used to to tell me that unless I tried some of the
things that were put on my plate at dinner time I'd never know whether I liked
them. Now, probably most of the things I didn't like but I will admit that were
things that I did like. Limiting yourself to what “you think” is good can become
very constraining and restricts you ability to grow.
Working outside your comfort zone and trying something new can also greatly
increase your flexibility as well as you knowledge. The hard thing is making
this fun and challenging ourselves to do it on a regular basis. It is far to
difficult to fall back into our usual comfortable habits when we are not paying
attention. I heard someone once say that the different between someone who is
good at something and someone who is great at something is that someone who is
great at something practices what they are bad at. Anybody can practice what
they are good.
The real challenge is to have the discipline to push ourselves outside our
comfort zone and try something new. Too many times fear of failure or other
people's opinions hold us back. As anyone can tell you, you don't know what you
can achieve until you put your mind to it.
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