Though it is called our comfort zone, is it really comfortable in the long run? Staying in our comfort zone means we will rarely progress, enhance or develop. It means our situation is unlikely to improve in the future. Choosing to push out today means you will reap the fruit of your works tomorrow. It will not feel comfortable, in fact at times it will feel downright terrifying. However those who can visualise their future and are focused will put in what is required in order to reap the rewards. There is no “cheaters guide” or “quick fix” otherwise everyone and their uncle would have joined the bandwagon.
Those who stay in their comfort zone miss opportunities to use their skills and talents. They miss out on living a life of purpose.
The reasons for this may include:
1. Fear of failure- the thought of trying and failing is worse than not trying at all
2. Lack of self belief – choosing to believe the lies that you cannot achieve
3. Lack of support from those around – little or no interest from friends and family, the very people you expect to care.
Where possible I have aimed to live outside of my comfort zone as I know it will bring great prospects. It has been challenging as I have signed up to participate in activities and projects where I have certainly felt out of my depth. Naturally I am an introvert and was shy as a child. By the time I had reached my late teens I saw no benefit to being shy at all and instead recognised the hindrance it brought. As the years went on I forced myself out of my shyness. I signed up for public speaking and joined a worship team. The nerves are still present but not to the extent that I feel nauseous – just a few butterflies in my stomach which keep me on my toes.
What small steps can you take to move away from your comfort zone:
1. Step out and do something you have never done before – go to the cinema alone, eat out alone – you could start with sitting in a coffee shop (I have done both)
2. Write down your goals and vision and identify the hindrance – you may notice a pattern
To round up, we all have fears and challenges. Some step out despite their fears and others allow their fears to dictate what they do and do not do. Which category do you fall into?
What did it take to move you out of your comfort zone?
Perhaps you are still in your comfort zone and are quite happy here.
Either way I look forward to reading your comments.