Outside my comfort zone. You can do this.
Today I’m starting a series of blog posts that are rooted in the cross-country motorcycle trip I’ve been on for the last 17 days. I’ll be on the final leg of the journey today, and after thousands of miles along on the bike, I’ve had plenty of time to think and want to share some of those thoughts.
Two of my travel heros, Taylor Davidson and Andrew Hyde, both write about how travel facilitates stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s such an important thing, its where personal growth happens, where you face and conquer challenges, and where you re-energize.
This trip for me has been about getting outside of my comfort zone, doing something I’ve always dreamed of doing but never attempted, riding a motorcycle cross country alone. Through the trip, I’ve been out of my comfort zone a lot, and have come to recognize the thought patterns I have at the edge of it.
You’re facing something unfamiliar here Chris. You’re frightened. Take a deep breath. Visualize how you are going to tackle this challenge. OK, time to summon your courage. You can do this. Let’s go.
After staring down the challenge I’ve done something new that I’ve never done before and I’ve built a little more confidence in myself. From discomfort to euphoria, just like that. You feel the pride of doing something you didn’t know you were capable of. It feels good to push yourself.
If you’ve been following my trip, you know I’ve had my share of challenges, here are some of times I’ve been outside my comfort zone:
Bike breaks down 20 miles outside of Childress, TX. You’re on the side of the road. Time to put yourself in the hands of a stranger and get a ride back to town. After 30 min a pickup truck pulls up and stops. You can do this.
Freeway is the only good way to get past Dallas and you’ve lost time from the breakdown. Lots of tractor trailers to pass. As you pull up to each one you feel yourself getting into their wind tunnel. Deep breath, time to pass. You can do this.
Going to haul the bike from Amarillo to Denver in a Uhaul. Must ride it up the ramp into the Uhaul. The guy at the counter isn’t going to do it for you. Here goes nothing. You can do this.
Setting out from Hailey, ID to Oregon. Road is through Sawtooth mountain passes, writeup on the web says “only take this road if you love twisties.” But isn’t this what you are here for? Take the road less traveled, ride the mountain twisties. You can do this.
I’ve faced plenty of challenges on this ride that have made me uncomfortable. Being alone you only have yourself to whisper “you can do this” and give you the strength to go for it. I’ve learned a lot about why its important to get outside my comfort zone and the growth and confidence that comes from it.