Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Making Room for Greater

By Dr. Dana Holloman

It’s one thing to encourage someone else to step out of their comfort zone. It’s another thing to pack your bags, show up in a different city, and do it yourself.

Coach Deborah Blakey and I attended the National Black Book Fest as authors. We had the opportunity to share our books, connect with readers, and be in a room with other people who understand what it takes to put your words into the world.

Writing a book is personal. Standing beside it and inviting someone to read it requires another level of openness. You’re introducing something you’ve invested your time, energy, and heart into—and you don’t know how people will respond.

But they can’t connect with a story they never hear about.

You Can Be Prepared and Still Feel Uncomfortable

As coaches, we help people recognize their strengths, work through uncertainty, and take steps toward their goals. We also have to practice what we encourage.

That may mean introducing yourself first. Talking about your work without minimizing it. Attending an event where you don’t know everyone. Allowing yourself to be seen while you’re still learning.

You can believe in what you offer and still feel nervous sharing it. Confidence doesn’t have to come before the first step. Sometimes it develops because you took the step.

Show Up as Yourself

Being around other authors can inspire you, but it can also tempt you to compare. Someone may have more books, a larger audience, or more experience.

Their progress doesn’t erase yours.

You don’t have to become the loudest person in the room to make a connection. You can ask a thoughtful question, share why you wrote your book, or have one meaningful conversation at a time.

The goal is to give people an opportunity to know you and the work you’ve been called to do.

What Step Have You Been Putting Off?

For you, stepping out may have nothing to do with a book festival. It may be offering your first workshop, submitting a proposal, recording a video, or finally telling people about your coaching services.

Before you say, “I’m not ready,” ask yourself: What specifically do I still need to prepare, and what am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?

Those answers matter. Sometimes you need a plan or more practice. Other times, you’ve prepared enough to begin, and the next step is to use what you already have.

Attending the National Black Book Fest was an opportunity for Coach Deborah Blakey and me to show up as authors and share our work. It also reminded me that growth requires our participation.

Pray about the opportunity. Prepare for it. Then give yourself permission to take the next step—even if your voice shakes a little.

What is one step you can take this week toward something you’ve been putting off?

Stay Grounded. Go Greater.