Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone – Mariabianglang Latam

It all started with an interesting conversation…

When I heard the news that Chillibreeze was launching another unit in Aizawl, in the state of Mizoram, I couldn't stop thinking, "How can I be a part of the experience?" I knew that it was just wishful thinking, but I longed for the thrill of doing something totally different. Something within me was nudging me to go beyond. I was surprised with this internal reaction.

I am Mariabiang, and I have been with Chillibreeze for less a year. I joined Chillibreeze fresh out of college, still naive and inexperienced in the professional world.

This is my story...

I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a giant leap into the unknown

If you are someone like me who's afraid of doing new things or taking up new challenges, let me say just one thing; "You only need courage and faith in yourself."

It all started while I was conversing with my team leader, Wanlambok, when he suddenly asked me a question

“Are you willing to go to Aizawl as a trainer if the plans get finalized?"

I was dumbstruck but spontaneously responded, "YES! I would love to go there." That simple Yes was a tiny spark to the beginning of my journey.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I could not let it slip away

I wasn't ready to pull off this challenge; neither did my gut tell me to back down. It was a scary moment because I had no clue what I was getting myself into.

It was an "IF" decision, but I never really thought that it would happen so soon.

About a week later, Wanlambok asked me the same question again, but this time it was different. "Will you go to Aizawl as a trainer?" I cannot give an "IF" response this time.

I was a little hesitant, but I still said 'Yes''. I was hesitant because I needed to step into a new role with new responsibilities.

Many doubts crossed my mind, but I still could not give a clear answer. I was scared of the decision I was taking because deep inside, I knew I was not ready.

I went home that day heavy with thoughts and questions about my capabilities.

Then I started talking to my parents, telling them about the opportunity, and asking for guidance. To my surprise, my Dad responded, "Do what is best for you."

Those words of encouragement my Dad spoke were enough to ignite a spark in me. I felt I was ready for my journey into the unknown.

I was still worried, though, as I had a responsibility to my team being one of the Mind Benders (a person leading a small working group), and to the customers, I was handling.

A tiny part of me did not want to step down from the current responsibilities, my comfort zone, making me question myself, "Am I the right person for this?"

At the core, I was like a scared little boy who was unsure of what he really wanted to do, while outwardly I showed up as a composed person.

But it was too late to turn back, and I don't like to break my promises.

I thought to myself; enough was enough. I needed to talk to someone. If I continue with this mixed feeling, it will certainly not get me anywhere.

I needed to step up my game and face my fears like a grown-up.

So, what did I do?

One late winter evening after work, at around 8:30 PM, I met with James, our Production Head, for some life advice. The real-deal discussion happened in his car.

Two questions that Bah James asked, change my perception. He said, "Ask yourself. Where can you add value the most?

Look at it this way. If you have to take this opportunity, many team members can take up your current responsibilities; however, “if you do not take this opportunity, can someone else take it?"

I pondered on these questions all night. I wanted to meet him, looking for simple direct solutions, but in the end, it just made me think even more.

In another conversation with Wanlambok, surprisingly, he also asked the same question, that we have team members whom you can delegate your responsibilities to, but how many team members are willing to take up this challenge?

I really thought through, and eventually, I cleared my doubts. Those questions made me realize that I can do it! My mind was the only thing that needed to be fixed. This time, my mind was ready to step out of its comfort zone, into the unknown.

It was then that I realized that it was not a battle of the body; it was a battle of the mind.

At the end of 4 months, I successfully trained the recruits and appointed them as our new PowerPoint Associates in Aizawl.

It was not an easy journey, but I did not regret my decision to take up the opportunity and go beyond.

Life is full of hard decisions. If we are not courageous, we will only get stuck with What If questions all our lives.