take-the-initiative

I was once hired by an organization to deliver a workshop on networking. The goal was to provide their engineers with tools and strategies for expanding their circles of influence__o foster innovation, collaboration, and teambuilding. One of the engineers raised her hand in the middle of the program and bluntly said, ____ happy with the people in my life and don__ care to add any more._ I respect and appreciate her position and have sometimes felt the same way.But, as long as we are alive, we will meet, greet, and interact with new people. Even if we are not inviting them into our personal lives, being socially brave will open new doors which may have remained closed otherwise.

Stepping out and stepping up can be an intimidating experience, especially in social situations where the outcomes are unpredictable and uncertain. Have you ever been reluctant to . . . _ Say "no?"_ Request help?_ Ask for a raise?_ Stand up to a bully?_ Talk about tough topics?_ Confront a friend or spouse?_ Speak up and share your opinion?_ Begin a conversation with a stranger?_ Deliver a presentation or speak in public?_ Talk about the __hite elephant_ in the room?_ Befriend people who are much different than you?_ Make sales calls because you don__ want to be rejected?_ Approach a new group of people at a networking event?_ Go to an event by yourself where you did not know anyone?

If you like the relationship results you have been getting and don__ see any need for improvement, your status quo may actually be your sweet spot for comfort and contentment. That is a wonderful place to be.However, if you are like most of us, staying stuck in your status quo may prevent you from striving, thriving, and growing in your relationship possibilities.

Stepping out and stepping up can be an intimidating experience, especially in social situations where the outcomes are unpredictable and uncertain. Have you ever been reluctant to . . . _ Say "no?"_ Request help?_ Ask for a raise?_ Stand up to a bully?_ Talk about tough topics?_ Confront a friend or spouse?_ Speak up and share your opinion?_ Begin a conversation with a stranger?_ Deliver a presentation or speak in public?_ Talk about the __hite elephant_ in the room?_ Befriend people who are much different than you?_ Make sales calls because you don__ want to be rejected?_ Approach a new group of people at a networking event?_ Go to an event by yourself where you did not know anyone?Each of these scenarios can strike fear in the hearts of many because each involves risk and potential discomfort. Life holds endless circumstances with a broad and diverse range of challenge or conflict that require you to be brave.

What is easy for one person may be terrifying for another. Not all people have developed an unshakable confidence to kick butt and conquer. How can meek and quiet wallflowers, both women and men, join the ranks of the risk takers and event shakers? The first step is to ask yourself how you may be feeling stuck and then get moving.