Comfort Zone Challenges
Today, a friend of my brother's turned 50. My brother called him up to congratulate. He suggested that I do the same, emphasizing how much his friend would appreciate it.
I replied that I would send a message instead, as I really don't like small talk. I'm "good at it" but dislike it, don't really understand the point of it.
Anyway, my dear brother continued to insist that I should make the call. "Do it! He'll appreciate it, and you'll feel good about it afterward. Think of it as a little challenge."
He managed to persuade me. It turned into a nice little conversation and, yes, it felt really good afterward.
I think it's healthy to step outside our comfort zone from time to time. This was a small thing, obviously, but it's still a step in the right direction.
Even seemingly small steps can help us take bigger leaps in the future. If we're going to skydive from an airplane, we first have to learn to land correctly from a low altitude.
We face small challenges daily that can strengthen us for life's bigger conflicts. Instead of avoiding the annoying neighbor, try saying hello. When the food at the restaurant is cold and you "don't want to be a bother," call the waiter and explain the situation.
Small things, big results.