As a rule, most of us generally gravitate towards being comfortable. If you have your choice of chairs in a room, you’re more than likely going to seek out the one that looks the most comfortable. Did you know that there is an entire billion-dollar industry based on bed pillows? Because we like being cushioned and we like soft fabrics.
Even the work that we do is something that we look for comfort in. A perfect job or business where it’s not TOO demanding but where we can feel comfortably challenged and that stimulates our mind. We like to be comfortable.
We also often like to have routines. For things to stay the same. Days where you aren’t surprised by tech challenges or remembering that you forgot to buy more coffee the last time you were at the store. It’s much easier to manage days without unwelcome surprises. Even in our finances we use the word comfortable to mean financially secure. We consider comfort to be the ultimate goal for a life well lived.
Comfort.
It can also be the greatest prison cell you ever create for yourself. Especially when it keeps you from growing. From finding success or achieving your dreams. Because comfort in those situations is all about staying safe. Keeping things predictable and without demands. Comfort in those cases keeps you where you are, giving you no reason to challenge yourself, to learn new things, to discover what you’re capable of.
Don’t get me wrong. Comfort zones have a place where they are good for you and your life. In fact, it’s necessary to visit your comfort zones every now and again. We don’t want to ALWAYS live an entirely unpredictable life. Your comfort zone is a place to find yourself, to rest and recharge, even to daydream. But like anything in life, it’s possible to overindulge. To have too much of a good thing.
You can tell when your comfort zone is holding you back. When it has become too much of a good thing. Your life may feel boring or stagnant. You may find that you’re learning new things but you’re not applying them. You take a break that lasts a day. Or a week. You’re dreaming about something more. Something better. Something amazing. But you’re not doing. You’re not taking any action to actually get you there.
My encouragement for you today is to look at the world of possibility that you can find in the DISCOMFORT zone. The discomfort zone is where you find the potential for all of your dreams and all of your goals to really take flight and soar.
I’m not talking about making your whole life uncomfortable. In fact, that’s also not healthy or good for you. I’m talking about finding the things in your life where you want more, desire more, dream of more. And choose those things to be your battle with the comfort that is holding you back.
Stepping into your discomfort zone can be scary. The most important thing to remember is to start small. You don’t have to shake up your whole world overnight. You can start by simply making a list of things that are in your discomfort zone. Then pick just one thing to do today. Remember too, that discomfort doesn’t last. And it gets easier and easier the more you do it.
When you leave your comfort zone you will become a stronger person. You’ll become more creative. You’ll gain self-confidence. It keeps you from settling for mediocrity. It will lead you to the life you were always destined to have. You have within you the ability to make big changes. I hope that today you are encouraged to do so.