Ah, the comfort zone. Everyone craves it. It’s just the way we are wired. There are not many things better than comfortably enjoying the goodness of life. Everything is better when we are comfortable, right?
Be careful before you answer that question. I agree that I would much rather be comfortable than not. The potential problem is that sometimes people become too comfortable. As a result, they don’t try new things, take risks, or seek new challenges. As a result, life becomes stagnant, and people don’t progress as far as they would like.
You may ask…how do I change this? After all, it is difficult to come out of my comfort zone. This is true. It is sometimes very dificult. Why is that? It’s because of the set-up of our subconscious mind. Your subconscious tries to set things up so that you reach and live in that comfort zone. This comfort zone is the truth that you have come to know. Your subconscious doesn’t like when something goes against this truth. Sometimes this truth is that you can only handle the job that you currently have, no matter how difficult it is or how much you dislike it. Sometimes this truth is that you cannot be a positive partner in a relationship. Sometimes this truth is that you cannot reach the weight you are seeking. Or that you can only a reach a certain level of income. Or…this list can go on and on.
So how does one defeat this cycle and change the truth? It’s a matter of telling your subconscious a different story to create a new truth. There are three main ways to do this. One is by positive affirmations. Tell yourself a new truth. Tell yourself that you can and will reach your goals. Second, is to visualize the success you are craving. It’s amazing that your subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between a real or imagined event. The more it sees the positive pictures you create, the more it believes it as being true. Third and most important is to take action. You need to do things that are outside of your comfort zone. As mentioned, this is difficult at first. However, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. For me, I always had difficulty speaking in front of crowds. I didn’t think I was an effective speaker. However, because of my college major of Communications and the radio field I wished to enter, I was forced to speak in front of people on a regular basis. As I did it, it became easier. I actually began to enjoy it. I spent several years in radio. Now, I confidently speak in front of students everyday as a teacher. I always loved to write. However, it was usually just for me. The prospect of blogging caught my attention, but I held back because I doubted that anyone would be interested in what I would have to say. Still, I came away from the comfort zone. Now I am lucky enough to receive positive responses from hundreds of readers on various blog sites. It would have never happened if I would not have stepped away from the comfort zone.
I have recently been challenged, and I relay this challenge to you. Every day, do at least one thing (or even more) that is outside of your comfort zone. Anything from trying a new food, a new outfit, a new sport/activity, or doing something that you’ve been holding back on for a long time. This type of action on a regular basis will take you steps ahead of where you are now. Your subconscious will ultimately find and create those new truths that you are seeking. You will reach your goals faster, and create success in all areas of your life.
The bottom line is this…It is ok to enjoy comfort and the good things in life. However, you cannot avoid straying from that comfort zone that has been created. Take some chances and seek new challenges. You can and will meet them, and your life will be taken to a higher level. That’s something you can be very comfortable with. Enjoy the blessings : )
Power of PIES 