The deeper I dove into leadership books, the more curious I became. Before that day in the library, I had no idea who John Maxwell was. I remember telling my dad about the book I’d picked up, and being the lifelong learner and avid reader he is, he said, “He’s good.” I tucked that comment away and soon after started following Maxwell on social media.

Fast-forward to the summer of 2021. I saw a story on John Maxwell’s Instagram feed promoting the upcoming Live2Lead event in Atlanta. There was an early-bird ticket link for $100, and without a second thought, I bought it. No research. No checking the speaker lineup. I made sure my girls would be taken care of and added it to my calendar.

This trip became a milestone for me: my first time traveling completely solo. Booking a hotel, renting a car...things that had always been handled for me. It pushed me so far outside my comfort zone that I cried through most of the trip. The event itself was only one day, but I stayed for the weekend, exploring the botanical garden, visiting the aquarium, and even taking myself out to dinner alone.

Live2Lead was held in a stunning church, and I chose a seat in the very last row. All of speakers were incredible, but one in particular left a mark on my heart: Jamie Kern Lima. She shared how she started her makeup brand from her living room and how she wanted to reach “that single mom in Nebraska.” I sat there with tears in my eyes thinking, I wish she knew she just reached her.

I didn’t take many photos that weekend. I was uncomfortable the entire time but the growth that came from stepping into that discomfort changed me in ways I didn’t expect. As the saying goes, “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.”

If you need a sign or an encouargement to do something that scares you a little, something that nudges you outside your comfort zone, let this be it. You never know how much it might change you. What’s one small step you could take this week that your future self will thank you for?