If we stop and think about it, every day we go through experiences that cause us anxiety or to doubt ourselves. Each experience triggers a bit of discomfort.

And, due to fear, we likely also walk away from experiences that could actually be good for us.

I recently was reminded of this when provided a spontaneous offer to go on a dog-sled ride in Alaska, which my anxieties almost caused me to pass up without giving it much thought. Luckily I listened to a voice telling me to "go for it," got into the sled, and had the experience of a lifetime. Most importantly.... I had fun and felt a sense of strength I hadn't felt in a long time. 

How many times do we push ourselves past our comfort zone and not only have loads of fun but feel stronger for doing it? Probably not often enough.

I usually write about professional development, so here would be a good segue about challenging ourselves and facing our fears in our careers. However, unless you work in a very unique (and lucky!) organization, I'm willing to bet there have been enough challenges, enough change, enough times to get out of your comfort zone.

So how about focusing on facing up to fears outside of work? Who knows what you'll learn about yourself, and what you might be missing? I never once said that I wanted to go dog-sledding in Alaska but now I have some great memories.

What could you try in the next month to bring some more enjoyment, to stretch yourself, to give you the memories of a lifetime?

I'd love to hear about what you try - or a story about how you stretched yourself in the past - and how you felt afterward. Does that great feeling of accomplishment in facing down your anxieties follow you into other areas of your life?