A fried egg seems an unlikely source of anxiety – yet it was. Sitting atop a grilled hamburger, it drew stares not only from Katherine who had ordered the dish but from several others at our table.

“This isn’t really what I expected,” she exclaimed. “It doesn’t look right.”

Having lived in Denver where fried eggs surfed on lots of unexpected foods, I suggested she surprise her taste buds and take a small bite.

“I don’t think so,” Katherine declared. With a grimace, Katherine scooped the egg onto her bread plate and handed it to a passing waiter.

Katherine was bold in taking a baby step outside her comfort zone when she ordered the “sunny burger.” Yet she quickly recoiled from taking the next step when the new circumstances looked too unfamiliar. It’s true that fried eggs aren’t a hamburger topping staple like tomato or bacon or cheese; yet living life to your fullest potential is an ongoing adventure. And adventures, by their very nature, bring challenges and newness to be savored and explored.

Mind the signs. Just like the menu description that clearly announced the inclusion of the egg with the burger, life gives us signs. Watch for and pay attention to them. Act when they’re there; don’t pretend you didn’t see them if things turn out not quite so good.

Don’t stop mid-stream. Katherine took the culinary leap when she ordered but failed to carry through by taking just one teeny tiny bite. Putting one toe across the comfort zone border but refusing to go any further won’t help you conquer your fears.

If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not taking risks, and that means you’re not going anywhere. ~John Holt

Just do it. Take smart, small risks occasionally. Think of it as part of your personal professional development plan. It’s true about the old phrase, no risk no reward. Develop a taste for the unfamiliar; that way an unanticipated change isn’t quite so daunting.

Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. ~Helen Keller

Pay attention to what you push away or ignore. Understanding patterns can lead to insights about fears, concerns, etc. that hold you back from going to the next level.

Build resiliency. Not succeeding is an excellent teacher. Smile, reflect, give yourself permission to learn, and then move on.

Keeping your professional and personal life static leads to boredom, closed thinking and narrow viewpoints. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? A taste or touch of the new and unexpected brings a whole new level of richness to life.