A few weeks ago, I took a new Dance Blast class.
As a Zumba lover for over a decade, this was right up my alley.
In fact, on my way out, someone even complimented me on how great I was.
Bahhahahahahaha. Got you.
I was terrible.
Couldn’t keep up with the choreography.
Up when everyone else was down.
Clipped my poor neighbor with a spastic arm swing (sorry, Row 4 Left Corner).
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It was humbling. And awkward. And uncomfortable.
And I’ve been back twice since.
Because I know this is how we grow.
Ever feel like you’re in a productivity rut?
You’re doing your job.
You’re checking the boxes.
You’re even hitting some goals.
But despite the hustle, you don’t really feel like you’re growing.
That feeling?
It usually means you’ve been hanging out in your comfort zone for too long.
Growth doesn’t happen when you keep doing the same moves on autopilot.
It happens when you intentionally shake things up.
No face-smacking in cardio class required.
Just these 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Start Something You’re Bad At
Yes, really.
Pick something outside your usual rhythm, professionally or personally.
- Take on a new project that feels intimidating. (Pitch a new idea to an executive group).
- Test a different way of running your meetings. (Assign time limits for each discussion point and actually use your timer.)
- Try a productivity app you’ve resisted. (Give Notion a shot even though you think your head might explode.)
The goal isn’t to master it right away.
It’s to wake up your brain, stretch your skills, and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Growth requires fresh energy.
Trying something new is how you spark it.
Step 2: Make It Public (Even a Little)
Tell someone – your team, your assistant, a friend:
When you say it out loud, you create gentle pressure.
You start showing up differently.
Even just sharing, “I’m working on managing my time better,” changes how others interact with you.
They respect your effort.
They notice your progress.
And you feel more accountable.
It’s not about perfection.
It’s about creating momentum.
Step 3: Stick With It (Especially When You Suck)
The real growth happens after the initial awkward phase.
Most people quit when things get messy or a little hard.
But that’s exactly when you should lean in.
Every time you flub the steps, forget your plan, or fall back into old habits…you’re still building awareness.
And awareness is the secret weapon.
Don’t ditch the process because it’s uncomfortable.
Stick with it because that’s how you improve.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to take a dance class.
But you do have to move.
Growth doesn’t come from knowing more.
It comes from doing more with intention.
So, whether you’re
- Testing new systems
- Changing your calendar habits
- Or finally, delegating bit by bit
Give yourself permission to mess up on the way to mastery.
Because the only way to get better is to get going.
And if you accidentally smack someone along the way, just smile and keep dancing.
You’ve got this. 
xo,
Mridu
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