How often does fear prevent us from making changes or trying something new? Even the bravest of us is afraid of something. It’s often easier and seemingly less stressful to stay safe and remain in our comfort zone. But without being willing to try something different, even if it’s the smallest of things, we also deny ourselves the opportunity for growth, learning and a bit of healthy excitement.

I’d like to share two recent experiences with you about stepping outside my comfort zone. In early fall, I was on a vacation with my husband, Steve. We were sitting at an outdoor café enjoying the view and the warm weather. A man walked up to us holding his pet lizard and asked me if I’d like to take a picture. I said, “Sure, I’d be happy to take your picture.” At which point he said, “Not me, you! Let me take a picture of you holding the lizard!” I quickly declined and offered up Steve, who is much braver than me.  I’m still not exactly sure how it happened, but within a few minutes, there I was, posing with the lizard and being photographed. I do recall some screaming and heart palpitations, but in truth, I had a great time. And now when I see that picture, it reminds me that sometimes it’s important to do that thing we are most fearful of whether it’s for fun, growth, to challenge our assumptions or just to know we can.

Even more recently, I made a big change with my technology. I had been very comfortable with the tools I was using, but they were slowing down and becoming increasing difficult to use. My comfort level with the familiar had made it difficult for me to make any changes. However, I knew that if I didn’t proactively change, I could end up in a bad situation with nothing working. So, after a lot of feet dragging, research, whining and yes folks, procrastination, I finally made the leap. I switched from a regular cell phone and Palm Zire to an updated iMac, iPhone and iPad.

When I walked into the store to purchase the iPhone, I said to the salesman, “I’m here to buy my first iPhone and I’m scared!” He said, “Don’t worry. You’re going to love it!” He was right. It didn’t take long for me to adjust and I quickly fell in love with my phone. I guess that’s kind of sick, falling in love with a piece of equipment, but it’s an amazing phone!

It took about a week and many conversations with Apple Support to get my new equipment working together. But with the help of some extremely patient people, the equipment is now talking together through MobileMe. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m excited about that part. More importantly, I’m enjoying learning new things.

The main thing is that once again I realized in order to move on, we have to be willing to allow ourselves to let go. That letting go might be the fear of the familiar or of ideas we’ve always believed. In order to move on, we have to be willing to be uncomfortable for a little while during the transition. We have to be patient with ourselves and a little bit brave.

I wish for you a dose of bravery as you take on your challenges. What small step can you take today to propel you forward?

I’d love to share a good story with you about the challenges of letting go of the familiar. I’ve wanted do some interior painting for let’s just say, “quite a while.” I’m not ready to give divulge exactly what “quite a while” means, but please just use your imagination. We got some estimates, selected the painter and made the plan. People do work in their homes all the time. There is nothing unique about what we’re doing. But even so, I’m finding this experience quite interesting.

What started out as “just a paint job,” has quickly turned into dozens of decisions and other side projects. I’m guessing that you know what I mean. For example, if you’re repainting then what about replacing the blinds and the towel bars and the closet interiors? Each new project requires research and choices. This is not necessarily a bad thing; instead, it transforms what was going to be something simple and expands the scope. Please understand that I’m completely aware that this is all my doing. I made the choice to do this work and have added extras during the process.

The paint colors were selected and the other decisions were made. Then came the “getting prepared” part. That involved completely emptying our bedroom and bathroom. Over the years, I’ve spent a good amount of time organizing those spaces so that I don’t have to think very hard about finding my clothes or accessories. They are placed where I need them and it makes the basics of daily living less stressful. Now imagine a situation almost like “52 Pick-Up.” With the things temporarily moved to various locations throughout our home, the order has been seriously altered. It’s almost like being a guest in your own home. You’ve got your stuff with you, but it’s not organized the way you’re accustomed to. It’s a strange feeling to say the least.

As we were emptying the closets and taking all the paintings off the walls, I felt a bit melancholy. It seemed like we were moving, even though we weren’t. It was also sad to be changing something that was so familiar and comfortable. But the funny part was that we weren’t moving. We were in fact improving our environment. Even so, there was an odd sense of loss. What was that about? In order to make this change, we had to be willing to let go of the familiar. We had to be willing to be uncomfortable and out of sorts temporarily, to make things better.

I so much appreciated a phone call from my husband today. He reminded me that even though he knows how difficult the disarray is for me, he also knows that the result will be well worth the inconvenience. He reminded me to keep focused on what it would feel like once it was done.

This experience parallels many of the things my clients experience around getting organized. They desire to do something different, to have less stress and to make their environments support rather than hinder their daily living. At the same time, anxiety and loss often accompany the process of moving to this desired place. I too am experiencing something similar. I appreciate how hard it is to make changes, even when they are for the better. It requires effort and inconvenience and of course, letting go. But I’m guessing that in a few days from now, when the pictures are back on the freshly painted walls, the clothes are hung in the newly installed closet and our bed is back in the bedroom, I will quickly forget about the discomfort I felt and instead completely enjoy the renewed space and sense of calm.