There are people who have lived in the same city, in the same apartment, for all of their adult lives.  Some have never ventured beyond the city limits where they reside.  Then there are those who stop learning once they leave school.  They believe graduation marks the end of the educational process.

All of these people have one thing in common, they go through life without ever experiencing anything new.  Each year is repeated over and over.  They effectively put up boundaries beyond which they never venture.  The world as they know it exists within their self imposed confines.

There is much more to be experienced in life than there is time for.  It's a shame to limit your horizons to what you are used to or to your comfort level.  Expanding your horizons is essential in order to enjoy all that life has to offer.

How do you do it?  Your boundaries have formed over your lifetime.  All of your experiences and beliefs have gone into the foundation of these borders.  Yet anyone who is determined can expand their horizons.

Are you aware of your current horizons?  Usually people are not even cognizant of how limited they have become.  They are so accustomed to their routines that they lose sight of the vast world which lies beyond.  What things have you never done that you really want to experience?  Most people know of at least several items to put on such a list.  Give it some thought and you will likely be surprised by how long a roster you can create.

In order to expand your horizons, you have to try some new things.  It's common to feel uneasy about doing this since it entails leaving your known universe.  As an intelligent, thinking person, there is no reason you have to be constrained by old habits.

Expanding your horizons really isn't hard.  Fear of taking that all important first step is what holds many people back.  It's easier if your first step is a small one with little or no risk.  Look to do something that has minimal consequences but is still something new.

Here are some ideas to get you started.  Use them to get your own thoughts flowing.  Eat at a new restaurant.  See a movie you wouldn't normally consider.  Watch a different TV show or go to a sporting event you've never seen.

Take a different route to work or back home.  Visit someplace you have never been.  You don't have to go far to do this as there are probably many locations for you to discover close to where you live.  You can read a book about a topic you know nothing about.  Perhaps you might take a class on a subject that interests you. 

Your objective is to get practice expanding your horizons.  Don't make it a one time event.  Once you start, don't stop.  Your confidence will grow as you accumulate new experiences.  Then you will be prepared to take bigger, bolder, more significant steps.

Here are just some of the accomplishments by others who have expanded their horizons.  People have changed jobs, changed careers, gone back to school to get a degree, gone back to school to get a different degree, started their own business, moved to their ideal location, met their special significant other, lost weight, and got into better physical condition.

Expanding your horizons is a lot easier than you think and far more rewarding than you would have expected.  As your horizons expand, you open yourself up to infinite possibilities.  Once you have broken through your boundaries, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2007 Bryan Golden

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