We all face hurdles when we are working to elevate ourselves. I think the biggest hurdle is the fact that growth comes from being uncomfortable. That discomfort comes from chasing something you have never had before. If you haven’t had something, how can you know what to do to get it. There is a saying that I first heard on the TV show “NCIS” – “If you want something you haven’t had, then you have to do something you haven’t done.”
We all know about the “comfort zone.” It isn’t really a zone as much as it is a feeling. I would equate the “comfort zone” with a feeling of security. We become comfortable because what we have, or are experiencing, is good. Some people chase this “comfort zone” and long for it. If you are one of those people and you are in your “comfort zone,” congratulations. I hope that you are experiencing a sense of fulfillment.
If you are like me, you probably want more. I am very guilty of living in the “comfort zone” for too long. I will get hungry, or ambitious, about something and go full steam ahead to get that thing. Once, I get that thing I fall into a sense of security and get comfortable. Not that this is a bad thing, but it makes me feel like I have enough. In some aspects of life…I do. However, I want to own a house that I can use partially as a studio one day. I am unlikely to have that given my current situation. My current situation is much better than my previous situation, however, it is not good enough for what I want my future situation to be. So, it is time to get back to work.
A few days ago, I posted my first reel on Instagram. It is a slomo video of me playing a buzz roll. I took it to show my students what a good triple bounce buzz roll should sound/look like slowed down. You can check out that video here -
It took me a while to post it on IG. I think in part because people can judge things once they are public. However, people judge my work every time an ensemble I work with performs. People judge my work every time I write for them and their students. People judge my work at every rehearsal and class. I feel like my life is under a continuous scrutiny from me and others. So, what do I have to be nervous about posting things on social media?
Other people do it, so why not me. The information I have has helped students and fellow instructors for years. The information I have has elevated me beyond the dreams I had when I first started my journey. The information I have has elevated ensembles. So, why am I uncomfortable sharing that information with the world? Who knows, but that is my hurdle right now and that IG post was step one to getting over it. I have several other videos that I have planned to do, and some that I have already filmed. This is something I have talked about for years, and even posted about on here before. It is time to do something about this hurdle, and the ones that will come after it. Leaping over hurdles will make my current situation my future situation.
So how does my rambling apply to you? Maybe it doesn’t, but is there something you have been putting off for the perfect time, or the correct circumstances? Is there something you have been dreaming, or talking, about that you haven’t really made as much progress as you would have liked to? Are you just tired of being in your “comfort zone?” It isn’t too late, but let’s start now. My start was that buzz roll video and my continuation is the 5-6 videos I took before spring break. What is your hurdle and how are you going to jump over it?
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