I love this quote because stepping away from the familiar and out of your comfort zone is becoming essential for Administrative Professionals.
This powerful metaphor perfectly captures the essence of growth and resilience, especially for administrative professionals.
It’s easy to stay within the confines of what we know, where the waters are calm, and the risks are minimal. But, it doesn’t get you very far and increasingly it puts you behind.
Last night, I had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand. Jo Sedgwick, a PA who had never hosted a webinar before, stepped far outside her comfort zone to join me in celebrating the first anniversary of my book launch. What made this moment even more special was that Jo initiated the opportunity. She reached out, asked if I would do it, and didn’t let fear of the unfamiliar stop her. Not only did she do a phenomenal job, but she also created a new opportunity to connect with countless other assistants and to raise her profile for herself. I know she enjoyed the experience as much as I did.
For administrative professionals, this lesson is crucial. It’s easy to stick to familiar tasks and routines that we know we can execute perfectly. But real growth—both personally and professionally—comes when we challenge ourselves to go beyond what’s comfortable. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on leadership opportunities, or initiating a project, these are the moments that will help you stand out and advance in your career.
When we step outside of our comfort zone, we change the narrative by showing we are not just a reactive, task based resource. We are proactive, strategic talent; subject matter experts in administration.
Jo’s experience is a perfect reminder: staying in port may feel safe, but the greatest opportunities often lie in the open waters. Don’t be afraid to set sail.
