Open Your Eyes to a Whole New World

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.”
~ James Bryant Conant

“Sticking your neck out” – there are different ways to look at this phrase, but it stems back to turtles and refers to risk. When a turtle sticks its neck out, what happens? It suddenly becomes vulnerable, meaning it is no longer a hard shell object protected from predators – it is suddenly vulnerable and exposed.

When we as humans refer to “sticking your neck out,” we often are referring to being exposed to vulnerability. Years ago, I believe the phrase was based on the barnyard chicken that was laid on a chopping block with its neck stretched out and then was beheaded with an ax. I’m not certain as to what happened then, but perhaps that where the other saying came into play – “running around like a chicken with its head cut off!”

We’ve talked before about being content in your comfort zone. You know what will happen, and you’re comfortable with it. It’s not too much or too little – kind of like Goldilocks – “It’s juuuuuussssst right!” But do you often wonder what would happen if you ventured out a little further? Maybe you step out a little knowing you can retreat back into that safety zone whenever you desire. In other words – you can still call the shots.

We all have our pet fears we symbolically wear around our necks. We may go our whole lives remaining comfortable or status quo, doing what we do best, and should something come along outside of that zone, we make excuses why we shouldn’t attempt it.

I’m here to challenge you to stick your neck out – not to get it chopped off, but perhaps to experience something outside of the box you have drawn around yourself. It might be an imaginary line you’ve drawn, but it’s still there. Maybe you can’t see in your mind’s eye yourself doing anything outside of the ordinary. You figure that if you go along with life minding your own business, then life won’t throw you a curve ball. Well, that’s not the way it works. Sometimes “life” happens to those who think they are safely secure inside their hard shells with their necks tucked tightly inside.

A friend of mine recently shared that she has an opportunity to become certified in scuba diving with a group of close friends. Although it sounded fun and adventurous to her, she also shared that it’s something she’s been a little frightened of her whole life. It may have stemmed from stories she’d heard from others growing up (you know how negative stories stand out often more than the good, positive ones?) or maybe it was just her own insecurities about the sport and her so called inabilities. Even so, when this opportunity arose, she made the decision (and commitment) to stick her neck out, despite the fact that she does not view herself as athletic in any shape or form.

When we step outside of our comfort zones and we proclaim it, we are much more likely to actually follow through. What area in your life are you keeping locked down? Are you really happy with the status quo? You may feel safe there in your comfort zone, but are you truly fulfilled? I know that for many people anytime a landmark is passed in your life or maybe a task is completed, you are left with a feeling of satisfaction – not just contentment, but a joy in knowing you’ve accomplished something that perhaps you wouldn’t have been able to achieve last month or last year.

Since my calling is in the fitness industry, I’m here to challenge you to think outside the box regarding your fitness level. You may think you aren’t Pilate’s level, or yoga level, or even Crossfit level, but the truth is – you are at whatever level your mind decrees. Start with something small and take it from there. If you’re without a plan, then you’re like the turtle that cautiously exists with its head poking out here and there. You are interested to see what is out there, but you’re still stuck in your safety zone and unsure as to whether it will all be worth it or not.

With whatever area of your life you’re stuck in, I’m here to tell you that the joy you will experience when you stick your neck out will open your eyes to a whole new world, and you’ll never want to coward inside of that once secure safety zone. Your goals become limitless. What do you have to risk? How about the opportunity for a more fulfilled, happier, healthier life?

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