We human beings are creatures of habit, and that is why we quickly form routines and fear the unknown. However, the world around us is changing rapidly and that is why it is imperative for us to constantly expand our horizons. Easier said than done, right? Well, there are time-tested techniques which you can implement in order to keep growing and expanding your horizon. Here are some of the easiest to implement.

Create a vision board

At the most basic level, a vision board is a collection of photos and pictures depicting who you would like to become, what you would like to own, and stuff like that. For example, if you would like to improve your physical health, you might pin up the picture of someone with six-pack abs as a visual reminder of your goal.

Heck, you can even have a playlist of music which inspires you so that each time you listen to those songs, you are energized to go after your goals! The vision board should be in some place where you will look at it daily. For example, you can pin the board to your fridge door or on a wall in your bedroom so that you see what’s on the board as soon as you wake up.

By having this board, you will push yourself to expand your horizons and attain the targets you have set for yourself because looking at the board infuses you with the confidence of achieving that goal. 

Start thinking big

You cannot expand your horizon if you remain thinking small. Thinking big expands your horizon by stretching the limit of what you think is possible. For example, back in 1980, Bill Gates decided that the mission of IBM was “a computer on every desk and in every home.” If you do a little research, you will realize that computers were a novelty back in the 80s, and that mission is an audacious example of thinking big. Today, it has more or less become reality, especially in the developed world, but there’s still some work to do!

By thinking big, Bill Gates and company pulled all the stops to ensure that computers can become a household item. You too can expand your horizon by thinking big, and then working towards those lofty goals you have set.

Get out of your comfort zones

The things you achieve are a result of who you become. Achievers are individuals who have trained themselves to never get comfortable. One win is the foundation for the next hill or goal to attain.

In order to become that person who can expand their horizon, start by breaking free of the different comfort zones into which you have confined yourself.

For example, stop eating out at the same restaurant. Stop going to the same club to play golf. Stop eating the same foods week in and week out. Shake up your dress style frequently. Don’t go shopping to the same malls where you have always shopped. And here is a nice one, stop holding your toothbrush using the same hand everyday! Alternating the hand you use to hold your toothbrush trains your mind to be flexible, just as using a different route when going to work hones your ability to adapt quickly.

To expand your horizon, identify everything that has become routine in your life and shake it up (in a good way!).

Read more

Books give you access to the thoughts and experiences of other people, and they can be a great way to expand your horizon. For example, you can read books on personal development and become a better manager of your personal finances. You can also read books on the new developments in your industry and then leverage what you learn to climb the ladder in your field.

You can also expand your horizon by undertaking free or paid online courses, listening to podcasts as well as audiobooks in the areas you are interested in.

All this information that you acquire will help you to expand your horizon because your mind will have been exposed to new ideas. Your task now will be to implement what you learn.

Acquire new habits

As we mentioned earlier, human beings are creatures of habit and most of what we do is driven unconsciously. We can therefore use habits to our advantage by cultivating those that expand our horizon.

For example, developing a habit of reading everyday will enrich your mind and you will have a lot more to do to advance your health, career, business, relationships and every aspect of your life.

Remember that bad habits, such as eating junk food, can only be dropped by replacing them gradually with habits that serve you. Start small when making the change, and let momentum build gradually as you enforce the changes until they become second nature to you (aka habits). Speaking of habits, a great resource that you can read on the habit formation process is the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. Your life will never be the same if you read and implement the contents of that book.

Get a coach or mentor

You can move faster and with surer steps during your quest to expand your horizon if you have an experienced coach or mentor by your side. This person will be your trusted guide and advisor in everything you do and this will increase your chances of realizing your goals.

A coach or mentor will also hold you accountable for moving towards your goals, and sometimes that is what we need to push us over the finishing line.

For a relationship with a coach or mentor to work, you first need to be clear what you need help with and then identify the coach or mentor who is best placed to help you grow your horizon in that aspect. For example, hiring a fitness coach when your interest is in taking your business to the next level is a wrong move. That is why we at High Performance Ventures always ask the visitors to our site to fill out a short questionnaire so that we can assess whether there is alignment between what they need and what we are passionate about. If it is a match, great! We welcome all we can help.

In closing, a meaningful and fulfilling life is about constantly expanding your horizon in order to have a bigger impact on the people you serve and the world we call home. By implementing the suggestions above, you will expand your horizon and attain all your dreams. When you hit a wall and can’t seem to get through, we may be able to help through many of our programs, such as the business accelerator program that enrolls a new cohort from time to time. Let us be your partner on this exciting journey to reaching your full potential!

To Your Success,

Jairek Robbins