Every day is a good day to push your limits—just a little! It’s so easy to stay in our comfort zone, doing the things we’re already good at, over and over again. But eventually, those things can become boring.

Now, I’m not saying those things aren’t important. I’m not saying to stop doing them—but you already know how to do them. What I am saying is this: find something that stretches your mind, body, or skills. Become curious, not judgmental, about the idea of expanding and growing.

In the past five weeks, I’ve started a new endeavor—something I had been planning for a long time but hadn’t launched. I was struggling with uncertainty: Would I be able to do this? Am I setting myself up for failure? What if no one likes what I’m doing? The self-critic inside me was loud and alive.

But I have to say—I’m doing it!
Is it perfect? (Not yet.)
Is it happening? (Yes!)
Do I love doing it? (Absolutely!)

It makes me feel alive, helpful, fulfilled, and full of momentum to do more. I had been thinking and talking about this for over three years. Now, I’m seeking help from others, getting feedback, using my free time to make it real—and I love it!

Will it make money anytime soon, if ever? (Not sure.)
Am I spending money to do it? (Yes.)
Do I regret it? (Not really.)

Why? Because I’m growing. I’m stretching my limits, becoming a better version of myself, and bringing my gifts forward. And because it took courage—and courage makes me feel powerful as a person.

This is a stretch moment. I’ve had many of these:

  • Entering a beauty contest.
  • Going to college with no money—twice!
  • Starting a resource center from scratch at 25.
  • Writing my first grant.
  • Becoming a CEO for the first time.
  • Starting a nonprofit.
  • Starting a business.
  • Launching Women2Women.

Every one of these began as an “I have no idea what I’m doing” moment. But every time, that little voice inside said, “You’re smart—you’ll figure it out.” That internal guide reminded me: Get over yourself and get started. You’ve been through tougher things than this. You mean well and you want to help.

So, what’s your stretch goal?

When I did these things, I rarely had the time, money, or all the skills I needed—but I had passion and heart. To stretch, it takes desire, motivation, and commitment. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap—take small steps if that’s more comfortable. But at least start. Create momentum!

To help you get there, try these few things:

  • Write it down.
  • Visualize the steps you need to take to move forward.
  • Ask others who’ve done something similar how they started.
  • Be proactive.
  • When negative thoughts come in, tell them to go away—you’re stretching!

Start stretching now. If I had started three years ago, where would I be today?

Let me know how you want to stretch and grow—I’d love to hear it!