When I opened the doors of Prescript, it was the end of a process which began as a “one day I’ll set up my own business” daydream, grew into a workable idea and then finally into my very own company. This was the end of a slow journey, which in hindsight had taken far longer than it should have done to come about.
What was it that had been stopping me? I had over 10 years’ experience in recruitment, with 5 of those years being focused on Radiology. I knew what I was doing. I'd built excellent relationships with the clients and candidates that I worked with. People trusted me to do a good job. I was getting a lot of satisfaction out of my job - helping radiology clinics to solve their staffing issues and helping radiologists find the next step in their career. I enjoyed my work.
But what about the next step in my career? Despite the fact that I had the skills, expertise and desire to set up my own company it hadn’t happened and seemed unlikely to happen. Why? It all boiled down to fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of stepping outside of my comfort zone.
“The greatest fear in life is not of death, but unsolicited change.” ― Raheel Farooq
I had many conversations with my friends and family who were unanimously in favour of me starting my own business as they were convinced that I would be a success. Despite this, my self-doubt continued to win me over.
Fear of financial insecurity and of failing in plain sight of everyone I knew were the barriers to me taking action. It got to the point where I had talked myself into a corner – either I had to take action and actually start the business, or work for someone else as I had done all my life and put my dream of being an entrepreneur on the shelf forever. Luckily, pride meant that I had to put my money where my mouth was!
We all fear change in one form or another, across many aspects of life. Although our comfort zone is comfortable, it is unlikely to be perfect and there are no doubt better places to be if we can dare to take the necessary steps. The idea of a comfort zone being a place, like a comfy chair by the fire, is an illusion. In fact, you are your comfort zone. It’s an idea created by you. In order to move forward, you need to step outside yourself. Stepping outside into the unknown is awkward and uncomfortable.
"But nothing changes if nothing changes."
Perhaps you are in a bad relationship but you fear being alone? Maybe you’ve always wanted to be able to play the piano but you worry that you have no musical talent, it’s too late, and you won’t be any good? Or maybe you feel bored and stifled in your current job but you worry that there’s nothing better out there or if there is something better out there, you won’t be able to get it?
For me, it was a case of overcoming the self-doubt and anxiety that I had about leaving a steady job to start up on my own. I had to get out of my own way and push forward into the uncomfortable, scary unknown. Has it been easy? No way! Has it been worth it? Absolutely!
By moving outside of my comfort zone, I’ve been able to begin a whole new chapter of my life. I have discovered many new opportunities, made new friends, and I have unleashed a creative and entrepreneurial spirit that had been lurking within me for years.
Trying new things, putting yourself out there and risking failure isn’t easy but that’s what makes it worth it.
Think about where you are now compared with where you’d truly like to be. Is your comfort zone really that comfortable after all? Maybe now is the time to take stock and take a risk. It could be the change you’ve been waiting for!
If you feel like now’s the time to get off the comfy chair and step into the unknown, you don’t need to do it alone! Get in touch with Prescript to discuss how we can help you embark on your next adventure.
James.