Benj the Builder

I talk a lot about the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. I have a firm belief that by doing so, that is where the real personal growth, enrichment, and satisfaction occurs in life. Personally, I’ve been working on it a ton, but there are still plenty of areas where I can improve. I tackled one this week. Let me tell you about it.

Previously, I have told you about my relationship with manual labor. It doesn’t interest me, I am no good at it, and it makes my body hurt. But from everyone I talk to, it often provides real satisfaction because you are doing something tangible and oftentimes meaningful.

I have a particular pal at work that holds me accountable.  Since I often recommend everyone get out of their comfort zone, he makes sure I do the same. So he challenged me, and I am so glad he did. This week, for the first time ever, I joined my co-workers to work on 2 Habitat for Humanity houses, and I want to tell you about some takeaways.

Leading up to the day, I was getting clowned left, right and center. “Bostic is gonna have to go buy some work clothes.” “I think he may show up in one of those caddie suits they wear at The Masters.” On and on. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I ended up showing up with my patented sweat pants rolled to my knees, which prompted my buddy to ask if I were wearing capris. (Eye roll.) Anyhow, none of that is of any importance to the amount of good work we did as a team that day. We painted the full interiors of 2 houses and fully sided a shed. We met the 2 future homeowners, who were gleaming with excitement and pride, and then we finished the day with a quick brew at a local brewery.

What the hell was I afraid of or nervous about? That I wasn’t a professional painter or sider? In retrospect, I have no idea. I had a fantastic day. Left fully excited for the new homeowners. Fully fulfilled by the work that had been done. And proud as can be of my teammates. I had passed up that opportunity multiple times in the past, and for what? Seriously, I have no idea.

What keeps you from getting out of your comfort zone? What keeps you from experiencing that fulfillment and personal growth that comes with conquering those things you may be afraid of? Listen, I wore double denim with pink Chelsea boots to work last Friday, and I was nervous about painting?That literally makes no sense.

So, baby steps. New foods. New activities. New challenges. New travels. New styles. Our own crazy little brains often talk us out of things for no good reason. I love seeing people grow personally. Me. You. Everyone. I’ll have another more wild and crazy example for you in a week or two. But in the meantime, challenge yourself to get out of that comfort zone, and let me know what’s up!

Have a great week.-Benj

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