Staying in Your Lane by Jena Bell
How often have you heard the expression, “Just stay in your
lane?” Maybe it was directed to you or about someone who you know. Or, was it a little voice you whispered to
yourself when you were feeling uncertain about your next project or
opportunity?
Reflecting on my personal journey, I recall an individual saying
those very words to me.
It was the end of spring 1977. I was excited and full of joy
because I was enrolled in driver’s education. I planned to practice
all summer so I could convince my parents I would be ready to drive by
the fall. At that time, driver’s
education was taught at school and my favorite teacher, Coach Bean, was my
instructor. I loved his training because I trusted him and he made it
fun. We started the lesson driving local
roads. Once I mastered those, it was on
to the highway. I felt confident driving
on familiar roads but the highway was a
different story. I was terrified! It was congested and the cars drove too fast.
As we approached the interstate, my anxieties skyrocketed. Merging onto the road, my hands shook with
fear. The speeding cars, heavy traffic and big trucks, rattled every nerve. It was so bad, every time an 18-wheeler approached me, my
palms dripped with sweat and my heart pounded.
I was so scared, I moved the car to the shoulder of the road to allow
the trucks to pass. Sensing my fear,
Coach Bean commented, “Bell, just stay in your lane.” The next session he
challenged me to stay in my lane and to
not spill his coffee. I made it! As my confidence increased, he commented, “Great,
glad to see you’re staying in your lane,
nice and steady.” I felt proud! I had mastered staying in my lane and found my comfort zone. The
following session, I repeated my style easing into my comfort zone. I didn't
want to rock my grove. As I eased into
my zone, Coach Bean turned to me and said, “Bell, at some point you must speed
up and change lanes, otherwise, you‘ll
never get what you want.” Wow, what a
powerful statement. I had learned the
basics, but I needed to reposition and change my pace to grow. I had to face new challenges, but with each
challenge came greater mastery, decision-making, awareness and mental reflex.
That’s the way I see life. We have to learn when and how to
change lanes. It may be uncomfortable, but we do it anyway learning
to keep pace with oncoming traffic, but eventually setting our own pace. We weave in and out of our zones but never
stop challenging ourselves. We continuously
raise the bar to never settle for less than our full potential. I believe staying in your lane is appropriate
at times but, your greatest possibilities will be unleashed when you exercise
the courage to change lanes!
To find out more about Jena Bell, visit her at: www.jcoachinternational.com www.jcoachinternational.com Twitter: @jenalbell
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