Yesterday, I did a 66 mile bike ride. It’s the longest (and by far the most challenging) ride I’ve ever done. When I finished the ride, I really felt like I had pushed myself beyond my limits. For me, this is one of the most appealing parts of exercise in general, and cycling in particular. The chance to push beyond what you think you are capable of.
I think this has a lot of implications for our businesses too. How often do you push yourself beyond your limits when it comes to running your business?
It’s really easy when you run your own business (especially when you have other sources of income coming in) to not challenge yourself. To not do what’s uncomfortable. To not push beyond your natural limitations.
Maybe it’s avoiding calling stores or galleries about your work because you feel awkward on the phone. Maybe it’s not emailing the press because you’re scared of rejection. Maybe it’s just avoiding taking the next really big step in your business.
But if you want your business to improve and to grow, you need to push beyond your limits.
What challenge can you tackle in your business this week to push further than you thought you could?
A great reminder – I think pushing the limits is necessary for growth and learning. It’s definitely scary and uncomfortable…but we have to push outside our comfort zone to expand our sphere, so to speak. I really need to submit my work…it’s scary because of the rejection…but nothing will happen otherwise…*gulp* I know it…just gotta take the plunge!
Great advice!
It’s a bit scary sometimes, but necessary.
Nice thing about cycling is once you’re out there, you really can’t turn back, you have to ride back (at least) the miles you rode out! In business we need to remind ourselves of that a lot!
thanks for the reminder! it is easy to just keep putting things off because you’re scared of rejection, etc! i’m going to challenge myself to contact 3-5 galleries and several facilities to teach workshops this week!
Thanks Megan! I needed a little boost today. I’m connecting with some people this week that have a lot more experience- in skills and business- than myself, but I need to remember I have a lot to offer too. I’ll be biking 10 miles to visit them, so I’ll keep your inspiring story in mind!
Thanks so much Megan! I’ve been having a hard time getting motivated to get it together for a while now…I’ll be making a point to pick TWO challenges this week – one is putting a calendar together for myself to keep focused and organized, yet not neglect my household, and the second to dust my sketchbooks out and revisit my designs and make some choices of what to create for my lines…I’ve put this off for far too long and now…it’s time to get serious about making those opportunities happen…not going to happen by sitting on my bum…thanks again! Can’t wait to read your next post!
I read your post this morning and pushed it one more mile and just a little bit faster on the treadmill. Now my legs burn, but I feel so good!
The hardest thing for me is pushing myself. I’ll coast through in everything – including exercise and my business. How do you dig deep for that extra strength?
Thanks, Megan! I needed this boost today! Just discovered your blog, and am really enjoying it!