Getting Out of My Comfort Zone!!

I really enjoy trying new things, but I definitely experience anxieties, self doubt and can second guess myself all the time and even talk myself out of doing something because I think I wont do well, I'll look weird or I'll just totally fail. These last two weeks has been a test of how far I'll get out of my COMFORT ZONE to better myself personally and professionally. 

During my health journey, I've been trying different yoga classes that push me beyond my regular Yin or slow flow classes. Recently I've been attending Hot Yoga classes at Aris Yoga. I've taken Bikram Yoga Classes (26+2) where there room temperature is set a 105 degrees and you flow through 26 therapeutic poses that focus on balance in the body and the mind. The first time I tried this class, I couldn't make it all the way through. The heat and the level of asanas that we were doing were beyond my current skill level. I was scared that I was looking like a fool, I wasn't able to follow along with the other students in the class and I needed to modify almost every position. But I decided to keep going!!! I've done the 26+2 class again as well as a few others that would not have been able to do this time last year. My goal is to be healthier and that will mean pushing my body beyond what I currently can do, which will help be stronger, increase my mobility and allow me to grow my abilities and hopefully one day be able to teach others. Which would be a fabulous opportunity and something I'd look forward to; sharing what I enjoy with others and help others find their way though their own health journey. 

                        

      

Public speaking can bring on high levels of anxiety for anyone. Typically I enjoy giving presentations and sharing my knowledge with others. However, the last few years, I was feeling somewhat useless and not confident in my own abilities. Changing jobs and learning all new procedures, organizational politics and just finding my place with new colleagues took a lot of emotional and brain power, I didn't really have room for putting myself out there. This blog, putting my health first and realizing that I do have knowledge to offer others and I can make a difference in others professional growth, allowed me to get out of the fear zone and boost my self-confidence again. We are doing amazing things at my school and it benefits others to hear those things, to be able to replicate them in their own settings. So on a whim in the summer, I applied to be a presenter at the Children Come First Conference in Wisconsin. It in an amazing conference and organization (Wisconsin Family Ties) that brings together educators and health care providers to support families and professionals within all area of child development. 

While I was driving to the conference, the entire time I was wondering if I should even go. I was worried that no one would even show up to come listen to me or that people would be bored or uninterested in what I had to say. But once I got there and noticed that over half of the spots on the room were reserved for people who wanted to attend my session, then I got really excited. It was so fun too, to be able to incorporate new presentation techniques that I have been learning to incorporate into my own school's professional development. It was really invigorating to share exceptional information, strategies and showcase the amazing practices that my staff are incorporating into their classrooms. I spoke to a room full of people that I've never met before and they were engaged, asking questions and asked for my contact information and access to the presentation (Empowerment Through Play). This showed me that I am good at what I do, I can make a difference in my staff and the development of others. I got my mojo back!!! There's been too many incidences that made me question myself, but I am always learning and growing. I would love to one day do this type of stuff as well, be a consultant, give presentations or travel the world working with educators to develop their craft and meet new people each day. 

A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing every grows there - John Assaraf

This week I had the fantastic opportunity to try a new activity and have fun with my staff. We went and played pickle ball as a celebration for another staff member that is also taking a step out of their comfort zone and moving to a new position at district office. This activity was definitely out of our comfort zone as a staff. Many of our staff gatherings has centered around drinking or food, or just sitting around talking, and this one included playing a game with each other, having fun and moving our bodies. This year, after reading The 5 Languages of Appreciation In the Workplace and having my staff take a quiz about their personal language of appreciation, it showed that majority of my staff enjoy Quality Time with each other. So we decided in our universal Tier 1 PBIS team that we would plan activities each month that we can spend quality time with each other or express Words of Affirmation, which was our second preferred area of showing appreciation. Not everyone showed up to our event, but more people showed up for this event than any other event that we've held in the past. So for me this was a huge win and hopefully the beginning of something special for my school and staff. 

Another challenging situation that I was able to overcome this week was having difficult conversations with several staff members. Leaders can choose to ignore or give excuses regarding staff behavior, but to do that truly can change the culture of the organization if too many things are left undiscussed, then staff can feel that nothing matters and anyone can do anything and get away with problematic or disruptive behavior. As educators our purpose is to develop our students to be successful academically and social emotionally. However, if we are cruel, ineffective, or purposefully sabotaging student or organizational growth, it needs to be addressed. It does take me time to strategically and empathetically develop what I want to say. It is important to learn about each individual person on your staff and how to speak to them, how to ensure they understand your expectations with clarity and also have them know that you are there to continually support them. I truly do want my staff to be successful. If they are successful then our students will be successful, but it has to be a two way street. It's like the proverb, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink", which means you can provide someone with the opportunity, but you can't force them to take it or change. It is about encouraging others to get out of their own COMFORT ZONE. But you can not change someone if they are not ready or willing to recognize the areas that need changing or those areas that are not allowing them to find joy within themselves. However, for the benefit of my school, I have to release my fear and be willing to have those hard conversations to ensure students have the very best. 

As I continue to reflect on areas that I can develop further and get myself out of my comfort zone; I will continue to push myself physically and try new classes, add new exercises into my routines and not be afraid to push myself further beyond my original fitness goals. I need to be more consistent with my blog and journaling. Sharing my thoughts, ideas and knowledge with others gives me joy and encourages me to go further beyond myself. I have another presentation/conference scheduled for March, but maybe I can look at others that can benefit my district as well as myself. Lastly, I need to make sure that my communication is clear, and I address concerns or issues immediately and challenge myself to step out of my COMFORT ZONE. I can do this by not having fear, learn how to have develop my own self-confidence and grow, by living my life's purpose, following my dreams, conquering and continuing to meet my goals and be the best person that I can be.