When we speak of the comfort zone, we soon find out that it is a wore out concept that has lost its value because it is used far too much in the wrong context and by the wrong people who equate that of saying: “Don’t be such a coward!” Yet, the comfort zone is so much more than not being a coward. Interested in learning more about it? You’ve reached the right place. In today’s article, we will uncover more about it.
What Is a Comfort Zone?
Your comfort zone is the boundaries around you where you don’t dare go even though you might both want to and should. The zone is invisible, but is felt when you look at the results of your efforts in life. You may have subconscious comfort zones or they may be clear and show the limitations you have set for yourself. Yes, you read that right: You are the one who have set this up for yourself”. And, in there you stand and balance your life within the safe boundaries that you set up. You feel at home there. There are no risks and you don’t have to make any mistakes as long as you stay in there.
And then some tight-fisted person comes along and says: “Blow the boundaries. Get out of your comfort zone and stop being such a coward all the time!”
The problem is that you have to be mentally ready for it. We have to talk about it first and there are three good ways to prepare for bigger creative steps. Here they are:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Fail
When you do something new, you can’t be an expert at it all at once. It goes without saying, but we have forgotten it in our eagerness to be capable and capable. When you do something new, you actually have the right to be a beginner and fresher. It is part of the learning process. Say it out loud ten times to yourself.
2. Kick Out Your Inner Perfectionist
If you do something new, you can’t judge it in the same way as when you deal with something you do often. It’s not fair. This is a BIG deal. Some people would never do anything unless they know in advance that they will do it well. The consequence is that they rarely do anything at all. Most of the time they let others do things instead and watch them screw up until they can do it. It only cost to do something “imperfectly” a few times.
3. Celebrate Your Forward Movements
Pat yourself on the back every time you do something on the “unsafe side”. Tell your inner “demon” advocate, “look, little demon, I took the step even though you tried to stop me.
Did you see that I…”:
• Started talking to that girl.
• Asked for that raise.
• Learned that difficult computer program.
• Took – and passed – that course.
• Applied for that job.
• Talk to that idiot.
Guess What Happens When You Follow These Three Steps?
Something amazing! It’s not just that you’re making that uncomfortable, you’re also preparing yourself for all the other tough things ahead of you. When you start taking uncomfortable steps, all other uncomfortable steps also become easier to take because you realize that it is not as dangerous as you thought. This is probably the most important of all.
Because What Happens Otherwise?
This: Immediately when you find yourself in a situation that isn’t comfortable with or isn’t quite what you expected, you’ll do everything you can to get comfortable again. And here you have a large part of the problems of all unhappy people. Even though they are unhappy and empty inside, the natural instinct is to stay where they are because it is familiar and safe. Many millions of people stay in jobs, relationships and situations that have long since lost relevance to them simply because they are afraid of the unknown. What if they knew that safety is not found in anything outside of themselves, but instead within themselves. They will never find out where they could have really ended up or what they could have done.
Surely It Is Sad?
And even sadder is that they think it’s about taking up skydiving or free climbing mountains. It can be as simple as deciding to take the risk of learning something new, taking up a sport or looking for a new job.
So, to conclude, it’s all about getting comfortable with what you’re uncomfortable with and about dealing with challenges.
And one more thing!
Sure, it’s strange how fast life goes. It is even said among scientists that we really only live half our time because our thoughts are half occupied with thinking backwards or forwards. Scary right? But hopefully it will give you some food for thoughts. Anyways, what next steps will you take to go out of your comfort zone? Let us know in the comments below.
