Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone

To write the next chapter of your life, you have to formally challenge yourself to change, says Barbara Waxman, California-based founder of the Odyssey Group, a company that offers executive and personal coaching for midlife-and-beyond adults (theodysseygroup.net). Here’s how to go about beginning your makeover.

1 » Envision your future.

Ask yourself:

• What activities energize me?
• What do I love most about myself?
• What would I like to change?
• What have I always dreamed of doing?
• What steps would be necessary to make my dream a reality?
• At the end of my life, what do I want to have accomplished?

2 » Write a mission statement.

Fill in the blanks: “I want to live a life that allows me to _____________, so I can express my passion for _____________ and be able to use my skills in _________, so that at the end of my life I can say_________________.”

3 » Make room.

Clear your schedule of timeconsuming commitments, says Waxman. For instance, if you’ve been overwhelmed by hosting every family get-together, pick one holiday a year that you’ll handle and let other relatives pick up the slack.

4 » Take steady steps forward.

Each week do two or three concrete things to move toward your goal. If you are starting a business, research similar enterprises. Each small move propels you toward your new life.

5 » Announce your intention.

Tell family and friends your new plan so you’ll be accountable to follow through. Set and share realistic deadlines, like “I’m going to enroll in photography courses this fall.” Then do it.