To Change Your Life You Must Do This….

Last week, I did 2 things that were uncomfortable.

First, I went to a fitness center I’d never been, Orange Theory, and worked out with 20 strangers for one hour. I felt uncomfortable not knowing the workout routine, or how to use the machines. The instructor walked me though the gym and described the exercises. I nervously looked around trying to figure out if I belonged there, and failed to hear her instruction for how to get on the rowing machine.

As I sat down on the rowing machine, the seat slipped out from under me and I fell on my rear end. Blushing with embarrassment, I got up off the floor, smiled sheepishly, and finished the workout.  It wasn’t perfect but I was proud of myself for sticking it out.

Second on the uncomfortable list, I filmed a Facebook Live Video sharing my story about how horses saved my life from bulimia and depression. I’ve shared my story in retreats and small groups, but never on live video. 

I was uncomfortable not knowing what people might write in the comments, or how the video would turn out.

Halfway through filming, an incoming call came though the iPhone I was recording on, and the live screen became shaky. For the next 5 minutes, it looked like I was talking 2 times faster than I was. I felt uncomfortable watching my face shake on the screen, and not knowing how to fix it. I was disappointed that video didn’t turn out great but proud of myself for taking the risk to put my story out there.

I did these two things to push myself out of my comfort zone because:

A.) I want to be fit and have a healthy, strong body plus meet some new people.

B.) I want to share my story about Beyond the Arena to a larger audience to spread the message of the healing power of horses.

Later in the week, I did another Orange Theory Class and Facebook Live Video. I still felt uncomfortable but not as much as the first time. 



This time at Orange Theory, I was more confident and knew NOT to sit on the rowing machine seat too fast. I also recognized a few of the people who were there during my first class. No longer strangers, they smiled and said “Welcome back!” which made me feel good.

During the second Facebook Live video, I clicked “Do Not Disturb,” on my iPhone so incoming calls wouldn’t disrupt the filming. I was still uncomfortable sharing my story on live video, but it wasn’t as scary as the first time. I felt more confident and gave myself permission to share more – I spoke 10 minutes longer than the first time.

Point is, if you want to change anything in your life, you have do do things differently — and that feels uncomfortable.

Most of us don’t want to fail, not get it right, feel awkward, feel vulnerable, feel like a beginner, and not know the outcome. 

That’s understandable AND not being uncomfortable holds you back from the life you want. 

This week, I challenge you to do one thing that is uncomfortable and out of your comfort zone. 

Here are some ideas: get up on the other side of the bed, drive a different route to work, say hi to someone at work you normally don’t, try a new recipe, go to a workout class, call someone instead of text.

The first time you do it, you will feel uncomfortable. GOOD! That means you’re stretching and growing into the person you’re meant to be.

The second time you do it, you might still feel uncomfortable AND you’ll feel a bit more confident, I guarantee it.

“The hardest thing to do is leaving your comfort zone. But you have to let go of the life you’re familiar with and take the risk to live the life you dream about.” T. Arigo

Get comfortable being uncomfortable….it’s inevitable for growth, change, and becoming the person you’re meant to be.

The rowing machine beginner,

Devon