I'm angry at everyone who is so afraid of something that they want to keep others from moving ahead. I guess I'm a live and let live person, do what you need and want as long as it doesn't hurt someone. I could turn this into a political article as I watch people posturing to protect their viewpoint in the face of change, because that's what got me started, but I want to turn it into a business insight.

Are you afraid of change?

There are several beliefs that might rear up in the face of change: I'm not good enough, what if I fail, what will people think? We all want to succeed so fear of failure or looking inadequate or being wrong may be a strong reason to resist change. I was looking back over my life recently and realized that when I came out of my marriage I lacked such self-confidence that I kept taking jobs that were beneath my talent level because I needed so badly to feel OK about myself. That's a huge realization. I played small in order to feel safe. I played small to be a winner in the small puddle I chose to be in. Are you listening?

How big do you dare to dream?

I have a friend and colleague that keeps playing bigger and bigger. He consistently comes from a place of service and all he's really doing is finding more places to serve. That's a very comfortable place to come from - what can I do to make a difference in the lives of others. He's out giving talks and being on national television and getting on the New York Times best seller list. He's doing things to make it happen, like reaching out to connect with people, but he's not pushing or forcing it. He just believes his work is important to others and that he needs to help them find him. Are you listening?

Take a few steps out of your comfort zone

I don't have to follow his path. He's who he is and I am who I am. I have to be true to myself and my passion and my talents. But I do not have to stay in my comfort zone. In fact, that is the most self-defeating thing I can do - be comfortable. So what if I'm not a natural networker, I would have a good time connecting with others if I interviewed them on a podcast or radio show. So what if I don't want to travel and build up a reputation as a keynote speaker, I do want to teach and talk to people - I can do teleclasses. But those are simply adjustments and are still in my comfort zone - how do I think bigger and expect more?

Awareness plus Choice equal Change

When I become aware that those choices are still within my comfort zone I can start looking further afield for what I might do. I can look at where I am and literally make a list of where I'd like to be - spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. I can listen to what people ask me to do for them and see how I can deliver it. Or look to see if I actually want to provide it or some unique version of it to them. I can question every choice I make and see that it is aligned with my vision, if it will help me get where I want to be, if it is a new opportunity that expands my ability to serve others. That's how I define my choices. Then I watch for change. How do I feel? Excited? Touched? Thrilled? I have chosen well. If I do not feel that way I get to adjust me - my thinking, my belief system, and my expectations. Once I am aligned inside, what is showing up on the outside will organically adjust to fit my vision and my expectations.

Expect the best

Why not you? Why should it be anyone but you who achieves your goal? You deserve it. You can do it. You want it. Expect the best. Do not settle for second best. Find your own rhythm, march to your own beat, stay in service and know that if it occurs to you to do it then it is yours to do. You will never be given an idea that is too big for you to do. Don't be afraid - just raise your sights and move out of your comfort zone. You are needed in your world.

© 2009 Cara Lumen