I was recently inspired by my friend Irslan Ali who posted a video on social media discussing how we all need to get out of our comfort zone if we truly want to improve ourselves. It made me think about myself and my own desire for self-improvement.

Last year, I voluntarily engaged in several daunting endeavors all of which were new to me. I was fearful of each one of them since they required me to push the limits and redefine what I was capable of. I was determined though, for my need to grow by trying new things was greater than my fear of failing at them. I decided that with each one of them, I should have faith, take the bull by the horns, and make them happen no matter what the results might be.

As I undertook each endeavor, my fears and concerns quickly became replaced by thrills and excitement. They were new things that I was learning and the excitement of learning these new things overtook my emotions and released all fears. I felt like a small child learning how to walk or a teenager the moment he first learned how to drive a car.

At 55 years old, I realize that I should not get complacent with life and that I can still push myself to new limits to define what I am capable of in new ways. I am learning that living in my comfort zone restricts who I could be and makes me give up on the potential that I have inside of me. With this in mind, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that I have yet to experience.