Nathan Hangen

I've been pretty uncomfortable starting this whole blogging thing... trying to make videos (I'm down to only 3 retakes!), podcasts, even writing posts can still make me a little nervous.

But then I realized.. the reason I'm nervous is because I've been in my comfort zone for so long, I never really strayed outside of it. Now that I find myself, well, ignoring my comfort zone, I'm starting to feel much less nervous about doing new things... in fact, like you said, it's starting to become exciting. ;)

3 retakes, not bad! Hell, sometimes I'm doing several more :) Although, good editing software helps.

The good thing is that your'e growing and trying new things...it's fun isn't it?

Didn't think I could have this much fun. ;)

Especially with the great people that are involved in this business.. I've met some of the coolest people through blogs

It's weird. I've gone through a few fears myself with the start of my blog and I'm swimming in pure ecstacy ... well almost ;)

I'm with you on moving the free line back. There's nothing wrong with asking for money if you're providing awesome stuff.

It will even allow you to focus on the people who really care and provide more comprehensive material.

Spending time outside the comfort zone has made me wonder why everyone isn't going after their dreams and at least trying. I guess it's easy to take for granted when you're so set on making stuff happen.

Yeah, it just seems natural you know...to stretch your limits and see what you can come up with. It's the only thing I know...but it does take a certain level of confidence that can only come with practice.

As for the free line...you're right...the key then is to provide awesome stuff. I'm still working on that :)

Hey man, sounds like you're 'in the zone', however you choose to express that... it's a state of mind that works for me and like you I often find it when I have a bunch of irons in the fire, assuming they're irons I'm excited about.. and I generally try not to put too much energy into things I'm not.

The problem I have, and I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this since you're obviously a similar character, is that I tend to oscillate a bit between that charged-up energized state - and complete overwhelm. I have a bunch of half-started projects right now (I'd be thrilled to be able to say they were half-finished, but I'm shooting for honesty here) and they are all exciting to me, all interconnected, with great potential for cross-promotional synergy... but I have days when I stare at the heap of them and just feel kind of small. I'm learning gradually to take one actionable step at a time until I get back in the zone, but some days it's a real job to get over that hump.

p.s. Blogging Beats sounds intriguing - taking a guess at what it might be, I have a similar project on the back burner, though likely with quite a different flavor...

I think so...usually I go in and out...but somehow, I've been able to live there for a while.

I know exactly what you mean about the up and down...I'm that way too. Some days I wake up thinking "WTF am I doing?" I've learned to let it go and try to start fresh the next day. Sometimes it works, sometimes it takes a few days...but moving with my rhythms instead of against them seems to help.

The public speaking problem is a really common one, but not one I share. I actually love it, and can't wait to address a large audience one day at BWE or something like that.

But your point about comfort zones is a good one. I think I've probably spent my whole business career outside my comfort zone, and so far it's worked.

When you push the boundaries of your own skill, knowledge and experience.....magic starts to happen.

And yes, you are doing too many 'kin projects at the moment! :)

I'm not there yet, but I want to be. Public speaking is next.

It's funny, the "magic" that happens when you live outside your comfort zone...and most people simply aren't willing to do the things required to live there.

They hear "stay out of your comfort zone" thousands of times...

They know all of the success stories associated with staying out of your comfort zone...

Yet, somehow they expect it to happen magically...or wait for "their big break"...and sadly, that break never comes.

I've always believed you attract people towards you that match something (not everything) within your core being. Well, if you never live outside of your comfort zone...how can you attract those people who do just that everyday?

Hmmm... :)

It's one of the differences between successful people and unsuccessful people. In fact, the more we point out these differences the more I think I should write a book about them.

Amen to that Nathan! (the book)

Same law of averages applies though...(the following is not scientific) 100% will buy it, 50 - 75% will read it at all, 25 - 50% will read it all the way through, and less than 10% will take action on the material. But a "movement" of sorts to change those averages sounds like a good idea.

It would require the concentrated efforts of several successful entrepreneurs to initiate a change...hmmm...

I see where you're going, and I like it :)