Foggy RoadHappy Monday! The year is still fresh and though it may seem easy to settle back into old habits (they do die hard, don’t they?).

Image: Gordon Bell via Flickr, CC 2.0

This week’s roundup features seven posts from around the web to inspire and help you step out of your comfort zone. After all, what is a New Year if not a chance to start fresh and break the binds of years past?

1. Three Reasons to Ditch the Elevator Pitch

Why: Are you still relying on a one-minute elevator pitch? Steve Woodruff offers a way to revamp your verbal business card.

2. Lessons Learned Driving Through The Desert

Why: We all have those moments that make us question the path we are on and whether or not it’s where we should be. Jack Steiner examines reflections made while driving through the desert, and how possibility can become opportunity if we’re willing to take chances.

3. When Things Matter More than People

Why: The social media landscape is changing and we have two choices, adapt or perish. Geoff Livingston gives us a preview of what to expect this year and sets us up to learn more at xPotomac on February 28th (disclosure: I’m co-producing this event and it will be awesome, if you’ll be in DC you should come!).

4. Forrest Gump Was Right…Life IS a Box of Chocolates

Why: In this post for WUL, Kirk Hazlett channels Forrest Gump in a reflection on life and the choices one has to make.

5. Content Shock: Why content marketing is not a sustainable strategy

Why: Content marketing may be one of the hottest marketing trends around, but that is slowly changing. Mark Schaefer offers insight into the future of content marketing and what you need to know to be prepared for the future.

6. ”˜Invisible’ in 2013 – outside looking in

Why: Bill Dorman shares his reflections on blogging, social media, and taking a step back to move forward.

7. Blogging goals for 2014

Why: Like many of us, Sandra Fernandez admits that she is not a big fan of writing out goals or resolutions. However, this year she is stepping out of her comfort zone and setting some blogging goals, which she shares in this post.

How do you plan to step out of your comfort zone in 2014? What changes have you made that may have been uncomfortable at first, but were worth it in the long haul? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.