Insight - Doing what's easy and doing what's best - By Michelle Libby

There’s something to be said for comfort. It’s easy. It makes you feel safe. But what if comfort is holding you back – keeping you stuck in a rut? There’s nothing wrong with being in a rut, but is it helping you move forward in your business or in your personal life?

Taking chances is never easy. Change is scary for most. I moved every four years growing up. At first I hated it, but then I saw the value in moving - New friends to make, better opportunities and chances to remake who I wanted to be. Now, having lived in Windham for 18 years, I realize how comfortable I am with the town. I know people at the Town Hall and at the schools. When I realized I’d been friends with a woman for 10 years, I was surprised. I’d never had a good friend for that long. However, if I never move, how will I develop new friendships that might be beneficial to me? Staying in Windham is easy for me.

There is a woman from Windham, who graduated from Windham High School a handful of years ago, who is leaving for Cambodia this week as part of the Peace Corps. After attending a New England college, she went to Washington DC as part of AmeriCorps to work with health related programs. I was impressed that someone from Windham, Maine would pack up and go to Washington DC to work, knowing no one. 

When I heard that she was going to Cambodia, I was more impressed and in awe of her. How does a 20-something decided to pack up and move to the other side of the world, where Internet is spotty at best and where it’s a plus that there will be running water?

I’ll tell you what kind of person does a trip like this. Someone who knows that doing something outside the box can have huge payoffs in the end. Someone who isn’t afraid to give up the easy path of moving home to stay with her parents. Someone who isn’t afraid of change. This woman is going to experience life with a different culture, unique perspectives and who knows what else. 

So this woman is taking a huge leap out of the rut of life. She is not being held back by anything. Maybe you want to start a bit smaller in your pursuit of getting unstuck from what’s easy. Ask questions about something you’re interested in. Take an adult education course. Say “no” when asked to do something that’s not in your best interest. 

Don’t get stuck and think there’s nothing else out there for you…I guarantee there’s more if you ask for it and work toward it.