"You are an observer of the human comedy, and by being as tolerant as possible, you gain a much greater ability to understand people and to influence their behavior when necessary." -Robert Greene, Mastery

As we move trough life, we are thrown into many different situations that force us to step outside of our comfort zones into new territory. Whether it be something as simple as going to a new school, starting a new job, or even moving to a new place, the external factors that surround this 'new', are often times intimidating. We are not familiar with the social educational structure of our new school, the system and layout of our new job, the area and people in our new neighborhood. In our old school we were well acquainted with most of the students, but at this new school we know no one. In our old job, we had everything worked out with each employee, and knew each others' strengths and weaknesses, but in this new job we are lost and secluded. Our old town was laid out in front of us, and we had a familiar relationship with all of our neighbors, but here everything seems foreign.

I think it is funny how we can have these fearful thoughts when we go into new environments like school, or work, but when we find ourselves in a new place on vacation everything new is exciting and we embrace it. What makes it different? Is it the fact that there is less work involved on a vacation than if we were in a new job? Or perhaps that we know vacation is temporary so the worry is much less about getting familiarized with where we are?

Either way, as we approach new situations in life, it is important to embrace them just as you would going on an exciting vacation. When we travel to new countries, we quickly immerse ourselves in their world, adapting to their environment, and learning their culture, and we do this all with great curiosity and excitement. We observe with great detail, comparing and contrasting to what we already know, and after what seems like no time at all, we are fully apart of where we are.

This observant eye, and curious state of mind is key to have as we move through our life journey. When we enter a new area, such as a job or place of education, upholding an open mind is essential.

Analyzing all that is new.

Immersing your mind into this new world.

Studying exactly the situations--and reactions of people.

Paying attention to the relationship of things.

And planning your own reactions from all of this. Imagine yourself as a scientist, collecting data on a new environment, however retaining an open mind throughout. Leaving all of your superficial judgments at the door, and understanding the new place you have yourself in. Pay close attention to detail, and the relationship of things, for it will give you a greater overall impression of the picture as a whole.

In order to live out many of the dreams and goals we have set for ourselves, we must go out of our comfort zone into the unknown, and to have success in these endeavors, we must be willing to open our minds up and immerse ourselves into the new.

"To be truly charming and socially effective, you have to understand people, and to understand them you have to get outside yourself and immerse your mind in their world." Robert Greene, Mastery

I challenges each of you reading this today, do not run away from the new and unknown. Observe what you do not know, and find it in your heart to undergo what is necessary to have success in these situations. We have all heard the phrase "put yourself in their shoes". When you develop the skill of being able to see the world through the eyes of another, it opens possibilities that are truly limitless. Open your mind.