June 22, 2010

Kiss Your Comfort Zone Goodbye             I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail. The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail. I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before, But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.   I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much. I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such. I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone, But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.   I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win. I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin. I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before, I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.   If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out, Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt. A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true. Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!   Author Unknown   For more on your comfort zone, don't miss the personal reflections.       "Move out of your comfort zone.  You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new."             Brian Tracy   "To the degree we're not living our dreams, our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves."             Peter McWilliams   "One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth.  Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again."             Abraham Maslow   "The comfort zone is like an addictive drug.  The pain of addiction will paralyze you within its boundaries."             Rodney Lovell     Kiss my comfort zone goodbye! You've got to be kidding.  I like my comfort zone. Perhaps you do too.  It's human nature after all to desire comfort, so what's the big deal?   The big deal is that discomfort begins when there is too much comfort.  Yes, there is a time and place when you just get too comfortable. You settle into a place where your life is OK, (you tell yourself) however you know deep down that there is something more out there for you.  But, oh, that comfort zone is so seductive.  Better to stay there.  NOT!  You will become stagnant, you won't stretch yourself or try something new and you will stunt your growth.  That's counterproductive.  How will you realize what it is you want in life when you stay limited in your zone?    At what point is the line drawn in the sand?  At what point do you disengage from the seduction of comfort?  Only you know the answers.   I encourage you to take a step outside your comfort zone.  Get comfortable there, but not for too long!  Then, take another step outside the zone. Keep on taking those steps and before long success will be there for you.   So, go ahead and kiss your comfort zone goodbye. It will be painful, uncomfortable, and unsettling.  Yet what is the alternative?  Rewards will await you as you venture outside.  Don't miss out!    Have a fantastic week and kiss your comfort zone goodbye.   Stephanie     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com