Go to new places and put yourself in new situations with new people. Do not just stay at places or with the people with whom you are comfortable. You either get this concept or you do not. If you don’t, begin to think broader about the big world out there. No one grows by doing the same old with the same people every day.

When I heard “the world begins at the end of your street” the context was focused on travel to another city, another country, being exposed to other cultures and ideas. I think that context is important and everyone should try to go to new places. You can have a fun and interesting time in any city or town for at least a few days and nights. The point in this context is if you’re exposed to other places and people, you may find somewhere you didn’t know and fall in love with. The person I heard this from was born in Scotland, as a young man he fell in love with Italy and years later moved there. This happens.

In rolling the quote around my brain I was thinking about it in a more local and business focused way. Most people get up each morning, go through the same routine, go into their home office or where they work, later go home through their evening routine, and wake up to do it again. What if instead of following the worn path that is your life you made plans to change it up?

This will mean different things depending on your line of work. For me I can get involved in other professional groups, whether made up of attorneys like me or a broader group of people, attend a local or out of state conference related to the type of work I do, or join a recreational sports league or club. The options are endless depending on what interests you. The goal is to get into something new that expands your knowledge, circle of people, or opportunities. What that really means is up to you.

You should think about whether you are in a rut and change could help you. Even if you’re not stuck in a rut, what can you do or change to expand your horizons and opportunities? Take some time to think this through and see what you come up with. If you find something or somewhere cool you think I would like, let me know!