comfort zone

i recently watched a young man teetering on the edge of a diving board at our local swimming pool. his mates had spent the afternoon diving and splashing, and he had finally plucked up the courage to climb the stairs to the 3m board. he stopped. he looked down. he stepped back. his friends offered cheers of encouragement and words of advice. he stepped up to the edge. he looked down again. he stepped back again. the lifeguard casually climbed the stairs and stood with him. they chatted and laughed. he explained that you have to just keep looking straight ahead. focus in front of you, and take one step. eyes ahead, one step. as the lifeguard stood beside him in support the young man walked calmly to the edge of the board. eyes ahead, one step, and he did it. as he emerged from the pool with a proud grin on his face; the lifeguard, his friends and other swimmers applauded him. stepping out of his comfort zone, he faced his fears. eyes ahead, one step at a time.