Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
December 14, 2023
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I remember it like it was yesterday. The date was January 2, 2002. I peered through the window of my airplane, taking in the sights
I believe asking “What’s your story?” is one of the most powerful ways to build a real connection. It invites honesty, creates space for empathy, and opens the door to meaningful relationships. Some of the most important parts of my life, business partnerships, close friendships, even meeting my wife, began with that one question and a willingness to listen.
While this question can create powerful moments, how and when you ask it makes all the difference.
On our recent Hike of a Lifetime through the Camino de Santiago, one of the most meaningful parts was listening to the men share their lives. When we met at the Madrid airport, most of us were strangers. But as the train carried us into the city, small talk turned into laughter, and strangers started to feel like teammates. Authentic storytelling became the bridge that helped us move from surface conversations to real connection.
The next day, we set out from Sarria to Portomarin, a full 15 miles ahead. With hours on the trail, quiet surroundings, and no distractions, the setting was perfect for real conversations. It gave each man the chance to reflect, open up, and hear others with more than just surface-level curiosity.
As we hiked together, our group of seven broke off into a few smaller groups, and the men began engaging and connecting.
If you’re ready to ask someone about their story, here are a few things to keep in mind:
One of the most powerful ways people connect is through honest and vulnerable conversation. When someone is willing to share a part of their life that’s difficult or uncomfortable, it creates a sense of humanity that others naturally relate to. More often than not, that courage invites the other person to do the same, leading to a deeper, more meaningful relationship.
As you journey through life, leadership and business, I challenge and encourage you to consider those around you whose stories you can explore and how you can deepen your relationship with them.
Be sure to click here and download all my free resources for your life, leadership and business journey.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The date was January 2, 2002. I peered through the window of my airplane, taking in the sights
One of the most powerful moments during our Hike of a Lifetime on the Camino de Santiago was the decision to unplug completely. Before taking
When I began the Hike of a Lifetime on the Camino de Santiago, I didn’t expect one of the most important takeaways to be this:
