Has there ever been a time when you reluctantly tried something new and then discovered it to be amazing? My personal example was my experience with sushi. I was entirely an “inside the box” type of guy so when it came to something new like sushi, I would keep pushing it off.  I gave it a shot one time and introduced my taste buds to an array of new amazing sensations.  Not only was I introduced to something new and delicious but I was also conditioned to believe that trying something new is a good thing, which I still go by to this day.  There are also times when we try something which impacts us the opposite way. Hopefully you have more positive experiences than negative.  However, something like trying new food is just the small picture.

Look at the Bigger Picture

For some and maybe even most of you, a consistent daily routine is nothing out of the ordinary. You go to work, you do your job, you go back home, watch TV, and go to sleep.  Now don’t get me wrong, if you’re completely satisfied with doing the same, by all means keep doing the same, because that’s what you’ll get. I interestingly enough run into people every day who find themselves just stuck in that rut hoping and wishing something would automatically change so their entire life style would too. But, how would one expect to create something out of nothing? Start by stopping. Stop what you’re doing right now and pay attention to which direction you’re heading.  Are you heading down the path you want to head down?  Do you find yourself in a position where you can’t go toward that path because of your financial situation, family situation or whatever situation that’s getting in your way?  It starts with taking a chance. Change what you’re doing and you’ll get a different result. Since you have the control, keep changing until your happy with the results you get.

Repetition is Key, so be Persistent

So you’re probably confused considering that I just told you that doing the same thing gives you the same results.  When you’re focused on acquiring a skill or talent, you should always be persistent.  However, you don’t have to change what you’re doing entirely for something to work, but you do have to add to it.

For example

That same person who prospects for business but decides they don’t want to change anything will keep getting the same results: no business.  Yes it is a numbers game and this person will get a deal here and there but the unpredictability percentage is too high. Be persistent with changing.

Next Level

Choosing not to change what you’re doing will also prevent you from going to the next level.  Tiger Woods has over 5 different coaches who constantly work on changing his techniques and style.  If he was stuck on the same techniques he used during the beginning of his career, he wouldn’t have advanced or grown to be where he’s at today.  So a person like Tiger can keep doing what he’s doing and get great results.  He will continue doing well of course up until someone else comes in and outshines him. This is why you must continuously grow, even if you change it up little by little.  The Tiger Woods example would apply more so to people who ARE doing well and aren’t willing to change.  Even if your good, someone will catch up so you either continue changing, evolving, and growing to keep your lead, or you let people catch up and exert more energy in getting back your lead.

What have you been doing that’s gotten you the same results over and over that you’ve been reluctant to change?

I had this conversation with my friend Neil Patel during a lunch a few weeks ago. He worked his butt off for several years before he made it big on the web. Now he teaches people the power of branding and becoming successful. We recently discovered that he came into his version of cruise mode. I told him about the airplane analogy upon which he agreed that he has indeed leveled off. He quickly became compelled and instantly started working on various new projects and multiple ventures involving investing.

I haven’t even taken off yet

Most of you reading this will be at the level of an airplane taking off. Like in most businesses, most of you will quit because you’re scared, you’re lazy, or you just don’t think you have what it takes. Like Jeremy Schoemaker said in his last post Seven Deadly Sins.., all these are just excuses! If you really want it, then go get it! If you are looking to blog your way to success, do it! If you want to start a company but don’t have the funds, then learn the power of persuasive communication and figure out a way to sell yourself.

I’m comfortable

For those who think you’re in smooth sailing mode, think again. The world is fast paced and changing environment. If you’re not growing you are dying, not literally, but mentally and socially. When it comes to a business or a skill set, the only thing you should be comfortable with is being uncomfortable. This is because when you’re uncomfortable you grow. If you decide to relax now, it won’t be long before your competitors catch up. Take advantage of your success and use it as leverage to take yourself to the next level.

If you’re in take off mode…what are you doing to make it work?

If you’re comfortable with where you’re at, what are some ways you can decide on RIGHT NOW to become uncomfortable to help you grow?