Challenge by Choice - Are experiential consultants doing enough

What I think of by Challenge by Choice is more an idea of leaving what you do for something that you do not normally do.
I feel that as an industry (team building and team development) we think that by ziplineing, backpacking, faciliating etc.. we are pushing our comfort zones.
My reply is when you do what you always do that is not pushing your comfort zone. Imagine the person form the city who is terrified of bugs, dirt, snakes, the outdoors at your course - that is outside of the comfort zone. Imagine the kid raised in the city canoeing that is outside the comfort zone, Imagine you as a facilitator giving a power point lecture on budgetary requirements for your department NO experiential games, no props only you in a suit and tie, or business suit talking to a group of woman and men in suits and ties. For experiential educators this is out of many of our comfort zones.
I encourage our field to "Walk its Talk" and "Break its Bubble" instead of climbing higher on the climbing wall, go the the community college and take a class in accounting. Find something that you would never, never do (like the man who thought he would NEVER enjoy canoeing for two day and eating dehydrated meals) and make yourself as a facilitator uncomfortable. Only then can we truly talk about pushing the comfort.



- Michael Cardus serves as an Adventure Consultant for Create-Learning Team Building. Mike facilitates, trains, and speaks to groups in a variety of settings including Fortune 500 Companies, small business, universities and classrooms. Currently he lives in Buffalo NY, he travels to serve your groups needs - where and when your group desires.