Increasing Innovation by Busting Your Comfort Zone (Guest Post by Ken Okel)

If you have seen me speak, you know my simple definition of innovation:

 “Doing something new, or doing something old in a  new way.”

In order to do something new or something old in a new way, you have to get out of your comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone is the opposite of doing something new.

Below is a guest post from Ken Okel, a workplace productivity speaker and author, on yoga, discomfort, and professional growth. Without explicitly stating so, the post covers a few of my favorite “applied improvisation” techniques: saying “yes, and,” taking small steps, being willing to fail, and of course, getting our of your comfort zone.

If you like the post, check out Ken’s blog and let us know in the comments!

My Downward Dog is Panting

Sweat pours off my face, my muscles scream in protest, and I’ve forgotten which is the right and left sides of my body. You’ve just joined me on my journey into the world of yoga.

What led me into a room full of strangers, matts, and physical moves that appear to be impossible?

As adults, it’s easy to fall into a pattern where we do the same things all the time. While we have the independence to try anything, we limit ourselves to a few, safe activities. When was the last time you tried something new, that was out of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?

I spend a lot of time hunched in front of a computer keyboard or standing in front of audiences as I give presentations. Neither are ideal for posture and energy flow. I’m starting to realize these demands have taken some of the new car smell off my body.

I jumped at the suggestion, by one of my fitness focused friends, to try yoga. I was up for the change as I’ve heard great things about yoga and people who practice it always seem very relaxed. With this in mind, I decided to discover my inner ashram.

As I entered the studio, I knew that I probably was not going to discover a hidden talent. I was prepared to be humbled as I didn’t know any of the moves. In many ways, it’s like learning a foreign language. At this point, I’m like the guy who doesn’t know how to ask where to find a bathroom.

In yoga, you’re told not to compete with anyone as each person brings their own set of skills. My mind is in constant competitive mode so learning how to disconnect myself from the outcome was a challenge. It’s funny how so often we define our success based on other people?

You also have to deal with your own physical limitations. Some stretches I can’t do very well because my arms are apparently not very long, making me feel like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. At times, I hear a voice inside my head saying, “Uh, you can’t do that.”

Later, I discovered that there are alternate versions that accommodate different body types. Instead of panicking over what I couldn’t do, I could easily switch to the possible. The key is being open to change and listening to an instructor’s advice. When an expert talks, do you listen?

Starting out, there also seems to be a connection between doing a move correctly and the amount of pain you’re feeling. While I do a ton of cardiovascular work, simply occupying a small space in yoga can be exhausting as you’re using muscles that normally get the day, week, or year off.

Despite these challenges, I’ve kept going to class and I look forward to the experience. It’s good to be challenged by something new. When was the last time, you decided to try something you knew you would not be good at?

Right away, I noticed that my posture was better, my muscles were more toned, and my energy went up. From time to time, even with my short arms, I find that I’m able to do what once seemed impossible.

Had I stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have experienced any of these benefits. I’ve also gained a new benchmark for trying something new. The next time I’m presented with a challenge, especially in a professional environment, I’ll be better prepared.

And if I feel overwhelmed, I can always go into child’s pose and hide.

To learn more about Ken Okel, his blog, and his speaking programs, visit: www.KenOkel.com.