What Relocating Taught Me about Comfort Zones

STL > HTX

My transition to H-town and back

Moving from my St. Louis base to the great state of Texas, and back taught me a few things. Relocation showed me areas of my life where I was too comfortable, and shined light on the following truths: 

1. You will discover who the convenient relationships are in your life. This isn't a bad thing, but I learned that some relationships existed primarily because of proximity. For example we would see each other at work each day or each week at church, therefore the relationship continued. But when proximity is removed from a relationship some people that you think you're close to can easily become an afterthought. Relationship are intentional, and I've learned (and am still working at) making sure that the people I want in my life know that they're an asset there. 

2. You are you no matter where you are. There is no magical city that will automatically catapult you further into your dreams. Do new opportunities exist when you leave your comfort zone? Absolutely! But, there is no magic city where you'll automatically excel. In my opinion, you push your own dreams to reality, no matter where you are. 

3. Change of scenery is nice. When we moved to Houston, we discovered culture outside of what we knew. It was refreshing to be around so many young professionals who were driven and willing to collaborate. Back home, we noticed that complacency and the crab-in-a-bucket mentality was commonplace. I've grown to believe that when you position yourself the right way, you'll attract the right people. 

4. There are less distractions. Birthdays, family outings, and constant events celebrating everyone that you know are out of the picture when you relocate. This allows more time for you to be able to focus on your goals and dreams, and execute. While I was in Houston, I had time to grow my business, gain new clients, and launch a brand new business. There will always be obstacles, namely ourselves, but when distractions are removed you have a clear path to achieve that much more. 

5. You'll need to build your own tribe from scratch. Finding a new everything can be tough. I did research on instagram to find a new hair stylist, a dope nail salon, attended the best church (Grace Garden Oaks), and found a dope friend/business bestie at the gym. 

6. Isolation isn't healthy. Community is necessary. During the early months of my journey to Houston, I was a bit of a hermit. I worked from home, didn't have a church to attend yet, and stayed pretty isolated. This was not healthy! After about a year things were finally moving, and I learned that community is necessary. There are so many lives that you can touch, and that can touch you if you're open and willing. 

7. Raising a child away from family is tough. Which is the ultimate reason that we came back, for curious minds who want to know. I'm not saying that we'll stay in St. Louis forever, but it'll always be home. I love my city and the people in it, even if St. Louis is the most dangerous city in the U.S. I'm excited for the impact that we're about to make.  

#RightThurr #HustleCity 

What about you? Have you ever re-located? If so, what did you learn?