We’re stuck in a rut. Every day, we go through the same routine. We go to the same places. We talk with the same circle of friends. We order the same thing off the menu. So, it’s no surprise when someone asks us how we’ve been, we respond and say ‘same old, same old.’ Because very little changes. It’s a nice comfort zone, a known quantity.
This afternoon, I was at an event where the ice breaker was to meet someone new, learn a few interesting facts about that person, and later share with the group. What amazed me is how reluctant everyone was at first. Feet shuffled very slowly around the room. Each paired group resembled 2 shy kids at a middle school dance.
But then something interesting happened. Once the fear was gone and the first couple minutes of conversation complete, we learned we all had many things in common. Which spurred longer conversations. Facebook invites exchanged. Connections formed. All because we were willing to invite one new person into our circle.
Why is this so hard for us, especially when it’s not what we know, but who we know? There’s no danger. Nobody going to bite our head off. At worst, you’re meeting someone who you don’t connect well with, perhaps differing personalities or beliefs.
Do yourself a favor. Reach out to someone new on a regular basis. Start easy, a friend of a friend, someone in mutual circles. Or, someone you don’t recognize on an email chain. The possibilities and values of new connections in this day and age should easily outweigh any fear of the icebreaker.
Good point Eric, one of the things I’m enjoying about the YTC facebook group is getting to know (if only in a virtual sense) other participants. Now I want to start doing the same in person.
And I’ve been through exercises like yours at work, and you’re right, most of the pairs find enough to talk about that the facilitators have a hard time making them move to the next person.
Eric- First, Thank you for the clarity and positive energy you have been posting along with the YTC challenge “Tribe “. I have followed you for some time and look forward to your observations.
IN one of my own recent posts I reached out reached out to the group to share more of their stories (“Listen and Hear`~ And When I look into Your Eyes”). The responses were few but quite thoughtful and a few relationships began to unfold.
“Same Old, Same Old” has been up for 17 hours. I was sure i would be late to the party in responding. To my surprise, its 7am on Monday morning and there are two of us who are willing to throw the vulnerability and a few minutes on the table and respond.
It gave me a new idea ~ there appears to be a new path to uncover in the ‘viral social mixer’ motif.
I wondered at the beginning of this continuation of the YTC if there would be a thru line to continuing for the others who continue to post… I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have had the opportunity to ’empower’ the good energy in a number of instances.. I need to find out how many of us are actually on so i can pick up a wave of this good and quite diverse energy and stir it up a bit…
Eric, i NEED YOUR HELP. Can you connect me with the mgr of the facebook page?
so we can learn a few more details about the group?
The group seemed to enjoy the ” inspiration questions “in the Challenge — I think we need to throw out a few more and catch a wave of the energy to bring us together .. i have done this a lot — i have a few good conversation starters that won’t get us into any dark areas …
Maybe a notice that everyone will get will answer this– What do you think?– Everyone i have read likes this energy–many have said they have been in other ‘blogging groups but like this one better) Let’s take it one more step and see what we learn..ok? Many Thanks– estelle macdonald
(estellemac@comcast.net)– shoot me an email if that’s easier– ALL the twixy formats and addresses drive ME a little nuts 🙂 Cheers. e