207687_Ruritan_Newsletter

During my final year as Director, I was approached about running for President-Elect. Woah! That would mean traveling, speaking and eventually leading 20,000+ members. Talk about outside my comfort zone! It took me a few months and lots of praying before I said yes. Lessons learned during my journey: 1. Set Clear Goals: Identify specific areas where you want to grow and set achievable targets. 2. Start Small: Begin with manageable challenges and gradually take on more difficult ones. 3. Seek New Experiences: Try activities, hobbies, or tasks that you haven’t done before. 4. Face Your Fears: Identify what scares you and confront those fears step by step. 5. Learn Continuously: Enroll in courses, read books, or attend workshops to acquire new knowledge and skills. 6. Embrace Discomfort: Acknowledge that discomfort is a part of growth and use it as a sign you’re on the right path. 7. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your efforts to grow. 8. Reflect on Progress: Regularly assess your experiences and growth and celebrate your achievements. 9. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and remind yourself of the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. 10. Be Persistent: Keep pushing yourself even when it feels challenging, as consistency leads to improvement. As Roy T. Bennett wisely said, “It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”Through my own journey, I have seen firsthand how stepping beyond familiar boundaries brings growth and strength. I am confident that Ruritan will emerge stronger and more vibrant as we embrace change. When we challenge ourselves and take bold steps forward, we unlock new opportunities and realize our fullest potential.

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