Do or do not. There is no try.


Part of writing a good story is to give plenty of challenges to your protagonist. In other words, you take him or her outside of the comfort zone, and in the course of the story, the character grows or changes in some way.

But what about us? Do you challenge yourself? To grow as a person we have to step outside of our own comfort zones. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from our protagonists.

(Now, you might be asking yourself: Why would I want to go outside my comfort zone? I like it here. I’m comfortable. Why should I seek change and challenges? My answer: That’s what life is about – giving yourself opportunities for growth. When you grow as a person, you also take your writing to a different level.)

Next you might say: Yes, I want to grow as a person, write better stories, but…


Here’s a quote from DO IT! Let’s Get Off Our Buts by Peter McWilliams:

“But” usually means: “Ignore all that good-sounding stuff that went before—here comes the truth.” You might even consider BUT as an acronym for Behold the Underlying Truth. (And Buts can be shortened to BS.)

Today, no “buts” allowed.

Changing and growing is something most people say they want. “I want to have a lot of money.” I want to get my dream job.” “I want a big house with lots of kids.” I want a new car.”

“I want to be a full time writer.” “I want to find a publisher to publish my book.”

“I want to work from home.”

Whatever it is that we say we want, we have to do something, to perform some act or series of things, to get there.

The bottom line question is: Will you go after what you want, or will you stay where you are, in your comfort zone?

Sure! Getting outside of your comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable. But is that really reason enough not to do it?




When you knock at the wall surrounding your comfort zone you will encounter something that will again try to hold you back (like that word “but”). It’s like a vast wasteland and its name is FEAR.

Fears cause discomfort. They might come in the form of unworthiness, of guilt, anger or hurt feelings. It’s easy to become discouraged when straddling the border of the comfort zone and what lies beyond. This is the boundary between staying where you are and living your dream.

Do you want to go with me? Cross that boundary and face those fears? I’m on a journey and you’re welcome to come along. I’m going to LIVE MY DREAM.

In Part 2 we’ll look at fears and see what we might do to get both feet across the border out of our comfort zone.

Challenge for today: I challenge you to LIVE YOUR DREAM. What is it that you want to do with your life? Write it down. Keep it with you. Share it here, if you wish. Are you willing to take this journey with me?

Best Wishes,