Comfort Zone… Are You In Or Out?
By: Karen Pattock
The other day I posted an inspirational quote on my Facebook page that referenced getting out of your comfort zone. I received a few interesting responses that made me realize that those two words are ‘fighting words’ for many people.
The exact quote I posted was, “To build a business that impacts others & truly makes change you MUST be willing to get out of your comfort zone. READY?”
One gentleman responded by saying, “Let’s talk about that. You give me yours and I’ll give you mine.”
I get it… it’s scary to leave your comfort zone because it’s so darn comfortable.
However, in case you’re wondering, here is how I responded… “I’m so far out of my comfort zone I’m not even sure I remember what that is. LOL! I’m living it every day. Are you coming along for the ride?”
I speak the truth… I am way out of my comfort zone. Some of it by my own design while other parts not of my making. Nonetheless, I’ve had to embrace the changing landscape of my life and it’s been one heck of an adventure.
I’ll be honest, it’s much easier for me to take chances and try new things in my business than in my personal life. When it comes to business I’ll try almost anything. I figure what’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work. However, my personal life is my sanctuary by design.
I make a conscious effort to choose my company wisely. I surround myself only with people that lift me up and challenge me in some form or fashion. By the same token, I try to contribute those same attributes to every relationship I’m in.
So what’s your story? Are you someone that is comfortable dipping your toes into the waters outside your comfort zone?
Typically whenever I post on my Facebook page about the topic of comfort zone I get responses like, “It’s so hard” or “Easier said than done”. I always think, ‘you’re telling me’! 🙂
But you don’t have to be a chronic risk taker or adrenaline junkie to step outside your comfort zone. In fact, I believe that it is a learned skill that can work its way into becoming a habit if you let it.
Let’s start with the definition of the phrase Comfort Zone: a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable, or in control.
Secure, comfortable and in control sounds pretty good to me. How about you? Truthfully, I believe we all need some of that in our lives as a place to retreat when the crazy world shakes us up a bit. That said, I also believe there is room to challenge yourself in a way that expands your horizons without compromising your comfort level.
So here is your challenge… today, (not tomorrow), do something out of the ordinary. Do something that challenges you. Try a new food, set a boundary that protects you from someone that frequently takes advantage of you or try a boot camp style exercise class that will kick your butt! Choose something that will make you feel a little uncomfortable for a short period of time.
Here’s what I know for sure… once you’ve completed the thing you choose you are going to be floating on Cloud 9. You’ll feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment that can’t be reproduced through any other activity.
I want to share with you one of my biggest walks outside of my comfort zone in the last few years. I learned how to scuba dive. I’m not the greatest swimmer, not super crazy about being in the water because I get cold easily and I am extremely claustrophobic.
So why in the world would I want to learn to scuba dive?
Two reasons: #1) I am completely intrigued with the underwater world and love all marine life and #2) My husband loves, loves, loves the water, (I think he was a water animal in another life… LOL). So it’s something we can do together.
I’m not going to lie, it took an incredible amount of mind control to accomplish this goal. I was scared to death most of the time I was in the water. But you know what? I did it. I made it through the course and it is truly one of the things I am the most proud of in my whole life.
Obviously that was a huge leap out of my comfort zone and I don’t want you to think that you have to do anything that drastic today. I encourage you to start small with something in your personal life but eventually bring those same principals and successes over to your business.
As a leader in your industry you will naturally influence others and as I said on my Facebook page,
To build a business that impacts others & truly makes change
you MUST be willing to get out of your comfort zone.
Come over to –>>My Facebook Page<<– and leave me a message that tells me one small thing you will do today that will take you out of your comfort zone. I can’t wait to read your post.
With love & support,
Karen Pattock
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