Greatness exists outside people's comfort zone. Those who attain the greatest of achievements, do so because they put themselves on the line. They take the action that many others shy away from. Doing what the masses will not is what separates the successful from the rest of the group. Unfortunately, society seems to ignore this fact while promoting the exact opposite. We are all told how it is best to take the safe route. It is important to get ourselves a good education which will lead to a good job with benefits. This will result in us being secure and happy. Of course, we all know how this sentiment was proven untrue over the past 20-30 years.

Developing the habit of stretching our comfort zones is one of the most important things that we can do to ensure our self growth. Too many people have the goal of being comfortable their entire lives. They try to set everything up so that the surprises are kept to a minimum. Remaining in the same job is a common way to stay in the circle of comfort. While the person wants more, the fact that he or she knows what to expect is more desirable. The fear associated with stepping out is simply too great. Naturally, most cannot admit that it is fear holding them back. Rather, they rationalize it by claiming that they are being responsible, smart, or prudent.

Typically, people avoid doing something different for fear of looking bad. If they cannot be successful at the activity the first time, they will not try it. Of course, this is a philosophy that will paralyze people. Almost nobody is good at an activity the first time they do it. Most things take practice. Over time, we develop some form of competence if we work at something. Yet, the highest percentage of people will refuse to do this because of this fear.

I am sure that you have met people who live their lives in exactly the same manner. Whenever they go out to eat, they attend the same restaurants. To make matters worse, they order the same thing off the menu each time. They believe in the concept of sticking with what is 'tried and true'. Ultimately, their lives tend to be boring. Each week resembles the previous one. The same television programs are watched. They leave for and arrive home from work at exactly the same time. Of course, the route never wavers.

If you desire more out of life, begin by getting out of your comfort zone. At first, it can be done in a simple but effective way. Perhaps go see a movie that you typically would not see. Try a different restaurant, especially one that serves food from a different culture. Alter your routine in any way that you can imagine. This begins to breed the habit of doing things a bit differently. While not instilling fear, for many even this stage is extremely difficult.

The next part of the process will really scare you. Go do something that puts you at risk. By this we are not necessarily referring to bodily harm. We are alluding to those things that you believe will make you look foolish. A great way to do this is to go up and talk to a total stranger. Do this the next time you are at a party. A wonderful ice breaker is to say 'Hi, I am (name)'. If this idea terrifies you, it is exactly what you need to do. Also, decide to do an activity that you have never done before. Do not worry about looking foolish. That is part of the journey. Ultimately, you might just find something else that you truly enjoy. Finally, if you want to blast out of your comfort zone, do some public speaking. Surveys found that people fear this more than death. Are you one that fits into this category? If so, join Toastmasters or take a public speaking course at a local community college. It will do wonders for instilling confidence within you.

Life is not meant to be lived in a box. Thoreau mentioned 'the unexamined life is not worth living'. Do you simply repeat each day without any thought of change. To have comfort as a goal in life leads to a miserable existence. The forces of nature cannot be harnessed. Regardless of how much we try to avoid uncomfortable situations, life has a way of serving them up to us anyway. Why not take the initiative and seek out those uncomfortable situations? It is always better to do things on our terms. Also, it is much easier to emotionally deal with something if we are the ones seeking it out. As we develop this habit, we are better able to handle the unexpected that life tends to offer.

Dennis Harting
©2011

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