WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE ON A NEW CHALLENGE EVERY DAY FOR A YEAR?
By: Uncomfortable Joy
Tags: Challenges, Joy, Uncomfortable Joy, New Challenges, Comfort Zone

Hello dear friends, followers and all curious beings who made it to my blog. I warmly welcome you to my very first blog post. I believe that many of you have tried your best so far to be as successful, peaceful, attractive, powerful and happy as possible. Reading self-improvement books and visiting seminars over and over again has been a part of your life identification. So it has been for me.

After travelling the world for 16 months I ended up quitting my “good” old job. That was the moment I dared confront my life. It felt unbelievably light to free myself from the chains of the system. A new powerful energy and self-confidence I had never experienced before rose in me. I was the captain of my own ship, and there was no authority in the world that was going to prevent me to do what I have to do. Even though there was no single soul in my larger social circle who had ever done that.

That was also the moment I tried to get out of my comfort zone every day. While hesitating for weeks if I should realize my dream of traveling the world, I finally booked the first flights to New York, Cuba and Lima. The anchor of my destiny ship left the port of a comfortable and safe life to new uncertain destinations. This was the point of no return. The next day I contacted my employer and told him I would quit soon. The director made it clear, that once I had left, there would be no coming back. Having been a branch manager, directing about 15 employees, it was absolutely crazy to give up such a high position and pay. However, the real journey had begun. For 16 months I left my comfortable space behind me with nothing but my huge backpack. 19 countries later, I had spent my entire savings and going back home was inevitable.

Since then, I never returned to my old profession again. The transformation of this experience was huge in many ways. I know the potential effects of pushing the boundaries of a well established comfort zone. A comfort zone that is already starting to numb me again.

On 1st of January 2021, after this devastating year for so many people, it might be useful to get back on this track and to push the boundaries of my abilities.

What happens if you push your comfort zone by taking on a new challenge every day for a year? This is not something I do for a community, to attract followers or to get an additional income. In fact, it was my girlfriend who convinced me to share this with other people. I believe that a whole new range of possibilities is on the horizon. In fact, being committed to writing something in a language that is not my mother tongue is already a hard push out of my comfort zone.

I am scared of this challenge for many reasons.

First, I already have a challenging life: I try to survive with an event management business which I launched after my return. Everybody knows how well you can make business with an event company during the pandemic. Why the hell would I add more additional challenges?

Second, I don't really like confronting myself and even less suffering the consequences of that.

Third, I am already trying to establish a lot of routine changes, which demand a lot of effort: doing sports several days a week, changing drinking and smoking habits and reducing social media consumption.

Last but not least, I feel like I don't really have the time and energy to take on another challenge. Not even mentioning writing a blog everyday.

Nevertheless, here we go:

RULES I AM SETTING UP

The challenges will not be chosen days in advance but I will write them down every morning when I wake up. The challenges will not be set up out of the context of my daily life. This is not an experiment of bravery for other people. It is all about self-improvement and self-improvement only. I will not care about fulfilling anybodies’ expectations or wishes. Everything that is OUT OF COMFORT FOR ME is a challenge. I am kind of a hyperactive person that jumps from one idea to the next. Having nothing to do and just being “bored” is hell for me. For those who are familiar with the Enneagram, you might know what it means when you are a type 7. That is why a weekly challenge will be: DOING NOTHING FOR A WHOLE DAY. For some it might sound relaxing, but for me it is a nightmare.

Know that I do not consider myself specifically brave or determined. I guess, I am overly optimistic and a little naive.

For those who chose to follow me on this journey, I really hope that you will find inspiration for yourself and that my challenges encourage you to take new steps that might be completely out of your daily habits. Finally, it is our goal to pave the way for an unconditionally happy and joyful life.