Pushing the Envelope in Life and Business

, // @ Mark Harai // 28 Comments Follow @Mark_Harai

Most people go for safety and security when planning and living out there lives. There are lines they just don’t cross.

The problem with this line of thinking is you exclude yourself from ever becoming a world changer – heck, a community changer, an influencer, a whatever you want to call it – “kick ass doer in life.”

You need to be willing to ‘push the envelope’ to accomplish great things in life. What does that mean exactly? The phrase I used had its origins in the world of aviation, where ‘envelope’ had the meaning, ‘a set of performance limits that may not be safely exceeded.’

That sounds like anything but safe, yes?

Everything exhilarating, transforming, worthwhile and life-changing in life lies outside of your comfort zone and these experiences are only realized by those who ‘risk it all’ to ‘live it all…’

Everybody can say they, desire, or aspire live the life of their dreams, but its hard to actually accomplish it. The fights, disappointments, and endurance that is required to succeed, really succeed, is just too much for most to handle. It’s hard.

Having said that, there’s really only one of two choices to make for the rest of your life; either give up on your dreams and find a nice comfy box to experience life in (most do this), or you can strap on a set of wings and fly.

The choice is ultimately yours, but the view of life is much more exciting from high altitudes!

Are you stepping out of your comfort zone and going for it all? I would love to hear about it, and any tips you would offer others to keep the pedal to the metal as well : )

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http://twitter.com/KDillabough Kaarina Dillabough

I like to think of myself as a “kickass doer in life”, my friend:) If we aren’t pushing the edge of the envelope, we’re simply sitting with one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas, not really committing to challenge, personal growth, failure, success and all that comes in between.

I encourage people to do something different every day, to go outside of their comfort zone, even if it’s just a little thing. As the saying goes: a mind once stretched never goes back to its original dimensions. Cheers! Kaarina
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  You wrote a couple of awesome things in this comment Kaarina;
  
  “We’re simply sitting with one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas, not really committing to challenge, personal growth, failure, success and all that comes in between…”
  
  This is a perfect discription of being stuck in a rut – you do have a way with words Kaarina!
  
  And this;
  
  “A mind once stretched never goes back to its original dimensions…”
  
  Love that – makes me want to stretch my mind daily. I don’t want to be the same, ever. There’s too much room for improvment.
  
  Thanks for brightening my day my lovely friend
http://hajrakvetches.com Hajra

I was the person who was too scared to move out of my comfort zone. Maybe the fear of failure just kept me away from a lot of things. But in college, I knew I had to move out and do something which wasn’t always necessarily my strong point. I knew that was the only way to beat the competition and be recognized among the huge crowd. And to make your stand, to have that recognition, one has to go out and so something new everyday!

Failure and success may be two sides of the same coin, but you are never going to know what you are good or even bad at, unless you go ahead and just give it a try!
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Happy Saturday to you Hajra!
  
  You’re young and you have your whole career ahead of you. With this mindset, you’re sure to blaze some trails and make a difference in the world.
  
  The greatest achievements in life are almost always a direct result of the lows we endure and overcome along life’s journey.
  
  There is no such thing as failing in life unless you quit. If you don’t do that, you will always grow stronger, wiser, and smarter everyday you have the privilege of being above ground, especially if you make that a goal : )
  
  The only failure in life is not living it to the fullest and losing site of those things that you’re most passionate about. That eventually leads to regret.
  
  Have yourself a wonderful weekend miss ; )
http://twitter.com/bdorman264 Bill Dorman

What if I were to say I have exceeded my dreams? I got into a profession (insurance sales) and had no idea if I would be successful or not. It was definitely outside my comfort zone.

I don’t know if I’m exactly pushing the envelope these days, but I am in a good place and having fun. To me, everyday is an adventure so that should be a good thing, right?

You make a good point however; too many people just ‘settle’ and end up with a bunch of ‘what-ifs’ at the end of the day.
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Do you get out of your comfort zone when you hear the details of a troubled teens life who is on their way to prison or death if someone like you can’t reach them and reel them in?
  
  When you wrote about it, I could tell you were serious and passionate about helping kids. This is ‘out of the comfort zone’ for most.
  - http://twitter.com/bdorman264 Bill Dorman
    
    I was thinking more career, but yes, initially I was way outside my comfort zone w/ my Guardian kids. That is a whole different ballgame and can get WAY out there……….
    - http://markharai.com Mark Harai
      
      I know it can be way out there for sure. I did some couciling with young troubled teens and once a switch in their mind went off, it was almost impossible ot reach or communicate with them.
      
      Is there anything more rewarding or cool to help a troubled teen ‘see’ how many options they have in life and get them on the road to making better decisions?
      
      You have to be willing to give a big piece of yourself and your time to help these kids.
      
      That my friend is awesome!
      
      Cheers to you Mr. Bill and your work here : )
http://www.craigmcbreen.com/ Craig McBreen

Hey Mark,

Nice reminder here. Too much coziness equals complacency and just settling results in no progress. More like a big, fat zero. Sure you can coast through life, but why not make this an exciting, spine tingling ride, right?

I’ve had enough of naysayers, doubters and cynics (well, I used to be one ), but anyway I’ve moved on and changed and it’s wonderful to associate with so many on the social web who have done the same.

Truth is, it’s a damn inspiring place to be, on that I think you and I would agree.
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  It’s hard to believe you were a nega-gram Craig
  
  And yes, I would definitely agree : )
  
  You’ve been an consistent inspiration and positive force since I first ran across your intelligent conversations on some mutual friends blogs over the past year.
  
  I’m happy we’ve engaged a bit; you never know where that may lead.
  
  I appreciate the add here sir!
  - http://www.craigmcbreen.com/ Craig McBreen
    
    Nega-gram Yes, I was, but I’ve changed quite a bit. It’s always good to hear when anyone states they get a little out of my work. It feels good, so thanks! Great to know you too, Mark.
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http://twitter.com/lifeforinstance Life, for instance

Hi Mark!
I can’t decide if you’re a business blogger or a personal development one! I always feel recharged when I come here.
I wonder; what makes a person push through the hard times as so few do. Why do so many take the road well traveled? What made you take the road less traveled?
Lori
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Hi Lori!
  
  I share things that are in my mind and in my heart. Sometimes it’s business, other times it’s just inspiration.
  
  Most of the inspirational things I share I need to hear myself to keep going and driving
  
  There’s a different answer for different folks with your question I think. It’s not something I really think about. I just do what I do and try to serve the folks the best I can.
  
  I’ve always had a deep desire to do something meaningful with my life. I want to contribute value to others, whether its for my family, friends, business associates, or those in need.
  
  Maybe I just have a lose screw; that’s what my mom always said : )
http://johnfalchetto.com/about John Falchetto

Hi Mark,

This is really what life, and business, is all about. Safe is a mirage, a dream,the shadow of a dream because it really doesn’t exit.
There isn’t anything in life that is safe.

I love that term “push the enveloppe” because that’s really where we start to live. Just at the edge.
Some people call it edge-work but I think it’s simply what life is all about, edge-work.
Otherwise we are playing it safe and that’s not where the magic happens.

Thanks for the reminder Mark, you have really struck a cord in me with that post.
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Wonderful to see you John, and I think there are many things in life we see in the same light.
  
  I think I might be a bit nervous to leap off tall buildings and into gigantic caves like you do; but that’s really what prepares the senses, or at least your ‘sense of adventure’ in all things in life.
  
  It’s exhilarating to get out of your comfort zone and experience life!
  
  I forgot how good it feels to communicate with you sir. I need to make it a point to do it more often : )
  
  Thanks my friend.
Gavin Ryan

Hi Mark,
I love this post!
For many people the first step is the hardest I see it every day. Take the step and learning,growing,living starts. keep on pushing and just like John Falchetto said “Magic happens”.

Looking forward to our call.
Gavin
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Well if @johnfalchetto:disqus is in, you can count me in! I like to keep good company. It makes for good business.
  
  Hey, send me a day and time and I will confirm. I will make it work.
  
  I look forward to speaking with you Gavin : )
http://twitter.com/Soulati Jayme Soulati

So glad you’re writing because I can always glean something; wait my autocorrect just put “soothing” instead of “something.” IT’S RIGHT! I can always garner something soothing here!

I was going to write a post using the headline Pushing the Envelope of XX, and then I saw yours and decided I’d wait. So, there must be something good in the Karmic patterns, eh, Mark?

Peace, Friend.
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Great minds do think alike, Jayme – hehe : )
  
  Hope you’re having a fabulous day miss!
  
  ‘Be soothed!”
http://www.wonderoftech.com Carolyn Nicander Mohr

Hi Mark, You’re right, stepping out of your comfort zone is so important to live a full life. I was out of my comfort zone when I moved to England and again when I started a blog and then when I got in the Inquirer. Curling up in a comfort zone for a while sounds enticing, but I’d probably be bored in about five minutes.

Thanks for giving us this exhilarating inspiration, Mark!
- http://markharai.com Mark Harai
  
  Hi Carolyn, your avatar gives me the impression of you as a mild mannered, loving mom. I don’t even know if your a mom, just sayin’.
  
  I have a whole new picture of you in my mind after seeing you hit the rubber off that raquette ball – geesh!
  
  Thank you for sharing your inspiration here too, miss : )
  
  Have a great weekend!
  - http://www.wonderoftech.com Carolyn Nicander Mohr
    
    Yes, I’m a mom to three teenage girls, including a set of twins. I’m extremely mild mannered, unless someone messes with me…
    
    Have a fantastic weekend, Mark!
http://truthonmlm.org/ MLM Alice

Great article. You always need to be uncomfortable to be comfortable later on. Thanks for the article.
http://Bizible.com/ Bizible

Great post. There are ways to figure out the ROI generated by any type of online marketing. We think small businesses will push the next era of marketing: Full accountability. Thinking beyond calls and clicks, marketing agencies will be expected to provide the revenue generated from their efforts. I’m glad you’re ahead of the wave and are thinking about the problem now. Thanks for innovating.
- http://markharai.com/ Mark Harai
  
  Hi Bizible, just trying to keep up with everybody else. Things move fast in this space, especially if your intention is to monetize your efforts.
  
  That starts with setting yourself up to succeed from the start and measuring tools are imperative for business leveraging the social web to build their businesses.
  
  Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here!
  - http://Bizible.com/ Bizible
    
    Hey Mark,
    
    Fast is right! Blink and you’ll miss it. Looking forward to more posts. Subscribing to RSS now.
    
    Best,
    Andy
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