We all like to think we’re open to trying new things, right? We’ll order the new item on the menu, maybe take a different route on our hike. But when it comes to stepping outside our comfort zone in a big way, that’s where things can get interesting—especially when you’re 83 years old.
Let me share a quick experience I recently had, that of course gets me thinking about, "What are the leadership lessons?" Recently, I took a road trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina, with my mom (my dad and husband flew – don’t ask, that’s too long of a blog post, lol). Now, you’ve got to understand, my mom is a total rockstar, but one thing she’s never done in her life is stay in a hotel room by herself. Not once. - But she did it. At 83, she checked into her room, used the key card, and settled in for a night of peace and quiet. And I must say, I am proud of her.
As I reflected on how proud I was of her and how she continues to teach me, as always it also brought me to my favorite topic, leadership. When I work with teams, I often hear the frustration with the oh so common phrase, “that’s how we have always done it” – so I thought this blog could be a bit of a response to this mindset. Here are a few tiny reminders and thoughts to remind us that we’re never too old to try something new—and that includes leadership.
1. You're Never Too Old for a First
Let’s get one thing straight: age is no excuse to stop trying new things. Whether you’re 25 or 83, there’s always something you haven’t done yet. My mom, at her age, embraced the challenge and, surprise, surprise—survived the night (without room service emergencies). It’s the same with leadership. You can lead for decades, but there’s always room to try something new, whether it’s a new strategy, a new approach with your team, or just embracing the latest tech before it becomes so last year.
2. Growth is About Stretching (Even if It’s Uncomfortable)
Let me tell you, my mom wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of being on her own in a hotel room (FYI - we had separate rooms because she snores like a freight train (sorry Mom), not because I don’t love being around her - LOL). I would even observe her when she would tell people how I put her in a separate room and she would try to get them to align with her side of the story, especially Anthony and Carla, the absolutely wonderful team members who greeted us at the Marriott in Princeton, West Virginia – but her attempts to get others to align fell short, most people understood the reasoning, to her disappointment.
But growth comes from stretching, from doing the thing that makes you feel a little (or a lot) uncomfortable. Leadership is no different. Those moments when you’re stretched beyond what you thought you could do? That’s where the magic happens. And sure, you might need to call for backup (or room service), but the key is not to stay in the comfort zone forever.
3. New Experiences Bring New Confidence
After that night, my mom? Total confidence boost. She didn’t just survive—she thrived and she had a totally different attitude when we had separate rooms on the drive home. And that’s what trying new things does for us in leadership. Every time you take on a new challenge, whether it’s tackling a tough project, learning a new skill, or even stepping into an unfamiliar role, you gain a little more confidence. Suddenly, those big, scary tasks start to feel a lot more manageable. And who knows, you might even start looking for more opportunities to step outside your comfort zone.
4. New Things Can Surprise You (In a Good Way)
At 83, my mom discovered that, hey, staying in a hotel room by herself wasn’t so bad after all – especially when she got upgraded to the suite. In fact, she might’ve even enjoyed it (don’t tell dad I said that). Leadership is full of similar surprises. You think something’s going to be tough or uncomfortable, but then you try it, and it’s… not so bad. Maybe you even end up liking it. And that’s how innovation happens—by trying, failing, learning, and discovering new ways to do things you hadn’t even considered before.
5. Keep the Adventure Going
The best part about trying new things is that it keeps life interesting—whether you’re road-tripping with your mom or leading a team through uncharted waters. Leadership, much like life, isn’t about playing it safe all the time. It’s about leaning into the unknown, taking risks, and finding out what you (and your team) are capable of.
So, the next time you’re faced with a new challenge, whether it’s a big project or just something that feels a little out of your wheelhouse, take a page from my 83-year-old mom’s book. Give it a shot, even if it feels a little daunting. Who knows, you might just find yourself checking into your own version of a “first-night-in-the-hotel-alone” moment and coming out stronger on the other side.
Thanks, Mom, for inspiring me and others through your courage and continued leadership!
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