Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m not afraid to push the limit - and it’s something I’m extremely passionate about. Why? Because comfort is the enemy of success.

Success wasn’t something that was handed to me on a silver platter. I didn’t take over grandpa’s business or inherit a trust-fund to get started. In fact, I didn’t even take VC funding. I had to roll up my sleeves, break all of the rules and risk everything...And heck no it wasn’t comfortable.

But when you step into the discomfort of uncertainty, that’s when you can truly reap the biggest rewards. If I hadn’t stepped out of that comfort zone, I wouldn’t have created one of the fastest growing companies in Michigan...doing what I love.

You can do it too.  Whether stepping out your personal comfort zone means pitching a crazy new idea to your boss, taking the leap to start a business or even just learning something new, here are a few things to remember from a guy that’s been there and done it.

 

FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS

Put together a list of your dreams and goals, no matter if they’re personal or professional...Your bucket list, or whatever you want to call it. What have you always wanted to do? What keeps you up at night?  The point is to actually do the things on that list.  Pick a couple of small activities every month and go out and do them. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself reaching for bigger goals.

It’s incredible how freeing it can be when you actually allow yourself to try something new and figure out what you never knew you loved.  When passion, and not fear, drives your life, there’s nothing you can’t take on.

 

FAIL FAST, EVOLVE FASTER

A key element of creativity and innovation is not being afraid to fail. When you’re willing to risk failure, you open yourself up to vast opportunities for success. I know it sounds scary, but the most incredible accomplishments often come from taking the biggest risks.  As John F. Kennedy said, “Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished with a guarantee of success.”

That’s why “fail fast, and evolve faster” is a core value here at Hello Innovation. The faster you’re willing to take risks, the quicker you’re going to make mistakes, and the sooner you can learn from them.

 

CREATE A ‘WACK PACK’

Your friends and family are great, obviously.  But once in awhile, befriend someone totally different than you. Strike up a conversation with that guy who’s always struck you as an oddball; they could be quite interesting in a quirky sort of way. Variety is the spice of life, so you might as well meet some new people and get a new perspective. Who knows, it could open up your mind to new ideas.

 

DON’T FEAR REJECTION

Speak up. Is there something you’ve wanted to say, but you’re afraid people might not like your idea?  Have you kept your mouth shut to be polite when you know there is a better way to do things?  Voice your opinion and see how people react.  The worst they could say is no… And is no really that bad?

 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

People give great advice a lot of the time.  But sometimes, you should just toss that advice right out the window.  It’s really easy to tell someone else what to do, because in most cases, you don’t have to deal with the consequences.

Always do a quick gut check. If feels right, it feels right and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. If you don’t have that “ah-ha” moment, don’t try to talk yourself into decisions because “I guess it makes sense” or “I guess they could get the job done.” Trust your gut, chances are, you’re right.

 

DON’T TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Yes I know...It might sound like I’m talking in a circle by contradicting my point above, but hear me out. Even in you have a gut reaction and you “know” you’re making the right decision, inspect that decision inside and out. Question everything about it. The secret to avoiding those “oh sh*t” moments is trusting your gut, but verifying the details.

 

BELIEVE IN YOUR SUCCESS

Nothing in this world is certain, but if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?! If you believe that you will be successful in stepping out of the comfort zone and trying something new, you are much more likely to succeed.

Now get out there and escape your comfort zone. Trust me, it will be worth it…