I receive monthly emails from Erin of Erinoutdoors.com. Below, is an email she recently sent to her client base. In the email, she relates a story of the positive results that can occur when we go outside our comfortable zone and start to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. Below is a link to her website where additional information can be found relating to the importance of using more of a Growth Mindset. Enjoy her Growth Mindset story.
Dear Steve,
Six years ago, I was invited to a multi-day conference with a company I still work with to this day. I had just begun my relationship with them, and was eager to connect with other photographers.
There were two main ambassador programs at the time for this brand– one was younger and more active on social media. This was the group I was in. I made a lot of friends quickly in this program, and loved spending time with them.
The other group was a bit older and more established. These photographers had been in the industry longer. And I definitely didn’t know any of them.
A day into the event, I realized that I wasn’t using my time the way I maybe should have been. I was hanging out with my friends, which was super fun! But wait… I realized… there are all of these experienced, successful, knowledgeable photographers here too.
So I got uncomfortable, and I talked to them.
I signed up for different classes and sessions than my friends. I sat at tables where I didn’t know anyone. I introduced myself boldly and psyched myself up to hold conversations with people I felt were much more qualified to be there than I was.
One of those people was my friend and mentor Colby Brown.
I remember sitting across from Colby at a picnic table, asking all sorts of questions about his business (which he graciously answered), and pitching myself as an assistant and collaborator.
Several months later, Colby posted on his Facebook asking if anyone wanted to go Namibia. I immediately sent him a message. And just a month after that, I was on a plane to Namibia, where I would spend three weeks creating images alongside Colby.
It was an investment of time, energy, and money.
But I am so proud of the past version of me who saw a great opportunity six years ago, and decided it was worth it. I can still see returns from that first decision I made to put myself in rooms that made me uncomfortable.
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, it’s time to find a different room.”
.