image credit: iqoncept
Do you ever feel stuck? The improv comedy idea of “yes, and” may be just the thing you need to get free, get out of your comfort zone, and get going!
"Yes, and" is a powerful phrase that originated in the world of improv comedy. In improv, it's all about building on the ideas of others and creating a collaborative and dynamic scene. But beyond the world of improv, "yes, and" can be a game-changer for individuals looking to break out of their comfort zone and achieve greater success in both their professional and personal lives.
We all have a comfort zone; a place where we feel we have a sense of certainty and control (this is often an illusion, but the important thing is we feel like we do). The problem with staying in our comfort zone, however, is that it limits our growth and opportunities. It's easy to stick to what we know and avoid taking risks, but staying in our comfort zone often holds us back from achieving our full potential.
Put another way: if the solution to a problem was within your comfort zone, you’d already have solved the problem!
To achieve success, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unknown. This is where "yes, and" comes in. We too often “yes, but” things, saying “yes, I am willing to step up to the edge of my comfort zone, but I will not go further.” When we say, “yes, and” we are saying, “yes, I can step up to the edge, AND I will take a little step out.”
One big key here is that this doesn’t have to be a huge step outside your comfort zone. In fact, trying to force yourself to take a giant leap out is one of the surest ways to make sure you never leave your comfort zone. Instead, try this simple formula:
1. Think of one small step you can take out of your comfort zone
2. See what happens
3. Make adjustments as necessary
4. Decide on the next small step, and repeat
The next time you find yourself stuck, trapped in your comfort zone, remember to say "yes, and" to the unknown. Embrace the space beyond your comfort zone and see where it can take you. With "yes, and" as your guide you might just be amazed at what you can accomplish!