The Sunshine Report Embracing the Thrill Karen and Jay share thoughts on the important opportunities that await you – when breaking out of your comfort zone. You’ll never know if you don’t try. But how many of us get stuck in a pattern? We get comfortable where we are. We find ourselves in a hypnotic rhythm – doing the same things, the same way, over and over again. Then a thought enters our mind. Or maybe opportunity presents itself. Or a difficult situation needs to be confronted. All of these situations have the potential to take us out of our comfort zone. And we actually know deep down that we’d be much better off if we seized the opportunity – or addressed the difficult situation. But we don’t. We’re afraid. We’re trapped in our comfort zone. We settle for what we’ve got and where we are. And as result we miss out on the thrilling adventures of life. The good news is that we have it within our power to break out of our comfort zone. It’s not easy. By definition it means ‘doing something that’s uncomfortable.’ But because it is so very clearly worth doing, let me share a few practical approaches that I hope can work for you. First, I find that setting specific goals outside of your comfort zone is crucial. By defining clear objectives, you can focus your efforts and channel your energy towards meaningful growth. Real-life examples abound, such as Oprah Winfrey, who, despite facing numerous challenges early in her career, set her sights on becoming a media mogul. Through perseverance and determination, she stepped out of her comfort zone to launch her talk show, ultimately becoming one of the most influential figures in television history. Second, embracing discomfort and facing fears head-on. Stepping into unfamiliar territory can be intimidating, but it is often where the most significant opportunities for growth lie. Take, for instance, J.K. Rowling, who overcame rejection and adversity to become one of the world's best-selling authors with the Harry Potter series. Despite facing setbacks, Rowling persisted in pursuing her passion for writing, ultimately breaking out of her comfort zone, and achieving unparalleled success. Moreover, seeking new experiences and challenging oneself regularly is vital for expanding the comfort zone. This may involve trying new hobbies, learning new skills, or pursuing new career opportunities. A prime example is Elon Musk, whose relentless pursuit of innovation and exploration has led to groundbreaking advancements in multiple industries. Musk continuously pushes the boundaries of his comfort zone, from founding SpaceX to revolutionizing electric vehicles with Tesla, inspiring others to embrace risk and pursue their ambitions. Additionally, seeking support and surrounding oneself with a supportive network can facilitate the process of breaking out of the comfort zone. Whether through mentorship, coaching, or collaboration with like-minded individuals, having a support system can provide encouragement and guidance during challenging times. For instance, Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, drew strength from her family and community as she advocated for girls' education in Pakistan, despite facing threats and violence from the Taliban. I know it’s hard but breaking out of the comfort zone is absolutely essential for personal growth and success. By setting goals, embracing discomfort, seeking new experiences, and seeking support, individuals can expand their horizons and realize their full potential. Real-life examples such as Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and Malala Yousafzai demonstrate the transformative power of stepping outside of one's comfort zone and pursuing ambitious goals. As these examples illustrate, the path to greatness often lies beyond the confines of familiarity and security. So, this week – right now – I urge you to pick a situation where you know that you’d be better off if you were to break out of your own comfort zone – and muster up the courage to ‘go for it’ and break through. Read The Report Selling…Often Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone! Read More Reaching Across the Aisle!   Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Norri Oberlander - Someone Making a Difference! We are delighted this week to highlight one of the most interesting and engaging people that we know – Norri Oberlander. Norri immediately came to mind when thinking about who would best exemplify our topic of someone stepping out of their comfort zone. We’ll get to what she did after she shares her story. Norri explains, “In 1991, my dad left his corporate engineering life to put his blood, sweat, and tears into creating the legacy of North End Properties, which lives on today through his three daughters and grandchildren. Carrying on her parents' legacy, today she is the President of North End Properties. www.northendprops.com I was raised by my New Yorker parents, and my father taught me to be a strong-minded businesswoman, while my mother taught me to be the life of the party. I’m the wife of a businessman, the mother of two amazing kids, and a happy dog owner. I’m an active property owner in downtown Manchester and a proactive landlady for my tenants. I’m passionate about downtown Manchester because Elm Street is the economic engine of Manchester, NH. I was born and raised in New Hampshire, graduating from Manchester West High, and then attended college in New York because my parents raised me with that New York mentality. In New York, I met my husband and landed my dream job as an event planner, and life was great. But I felt something was missing. I missed the New Hampshire foliage, the friendly New Hampshire atmosphere, and driving without traffic. But most of all, I missed my family and wondered where I would eventually land. I finally realized that neither offers down-to-earth living, the best value in real estate, and a balance of a peaceful country life, along with the option of an urban playground in Manchester. Therefore, I decided to boomerang back to New Hampshire to raise my family, and it's the best decision I ever made.” In 2017, she was one of the Union Leader’s '40 Under Forty'. She was quoted as saying “I focus the majority of my volunteer efforts in downtown Manchester, because I believe it’s the “spotlight” for all the city!” Over the years, she has volunteered for 20+ organizations to enhance Downtown Manchester and the City of Manchester overall. Norri continues, “Five fun facts about me: I am real, a positive, straight shooter, and I tell it like it is. As a connector, I'm ready to collaborate with other business leaders for positive change. I still learn from others because reinventing the wheel is inefficient. I want to see everyone succeed. Action - I don't just talk about it; I do it. As a landlady, AKA Manchester's concierge, I love the city and want everyone to love every minute of it like I do.” Last year during Manchester’s mayoral race, she did something that she had never done before and most importantly showed that one person can make a difference! Not happy with the lack of safety in downtown particularly around one of her properties, the Pembroke Building, she helped form a Political Action Committee that supported candidates who believed in the balance of the protection of property rights and the protection of human rights. What it did was to get a number of the downtown businesses together in a way that hadn’t been done for a while. And many say that this effort helped to get some new faces elected. So yes, one person can make a difference and Norri – we’re very glad you’re so passionate about Manchester – we’re lucky to have you! And thank you for ‘breaking out of your comfort zone!’ Quote of the Week "The biggest rewards in life are found outside your comfort zone." - Tony Robbins     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]