This lockdown has truly been a revelation, as I have – with zero interruptions – been watching myself struggle with the single biggest barrier to my success – my comfort zone!
I see myself doing things that I have always done and watching the returns diminish. And even though I am rationally aware that I need to move up the value chain and progress by doing other, better, harder things, I find myself retreating to the known familiarity of my comfort zone, and staying there, thinking, ‘At least, doing the same thing is better than doing nothing at all!’.
And while that’s probably true, its also very true that this approach gives you virtually no progress.
So why do we continue to stay there?
1. It’s a safe & familiar space
Comfort zones are funny things. They are a safe and familiar space with known results. And while there is no progress, there is no regression either. We stay in the same safe, familiar place. And while that’s alright sometimes, it’s also the single most limiting factor to our growth!
2. There are no chances of failure
The best part about staying in your comfort zone is that you don’t don’t have to stretch. Everything comes easy. And there is no pain, just the soft warmth of everyday routine that doesn’t need you think, or take chances or (the horror of it all) fail!
3. There is no disappointment
If you don’t take a risk, then there is no chance of failing. And if you don’t fail, then you don’t disappoint anyone – including yourself! All your rosy expectations about what you could achieve if you CHOSE TO put your mind to it, remain intact. Because they never see the light of day and exist ONLY in your dreams!
Here’s examples you’ll recognise!
From marketing…All entrepreneurs KNOW that they need to market their product. And most consumer businesses, especially with non-technical founders start simple…with Facebook. It’s easy, it’s simple and it’s visible and it gets results. But over a period of time, the returns diminish. The likes get more expensive and no one is buying. Yet we continue to spend on Facebook, instead of looking for more complex yet high-return marketing channels.
Why?
Or from Health…Most of us have tried to lose weight in the past. And the one thing we try to do is more cardio, which in our books, translates to more treadmill. And after a point, it simply ceases to work. Yet we slog away at it, dripping sweat! We know that we need to up the game. To shift to strength training and exercise in small doses to build bone density and maintain muscle mass. But we don’t!
Why?
Or from relationships…She doesn’t listen to you. You say it again and again, patiently, hoping that she will. Eventually, you lose your temper at her callousness and start shouting. She loses it…and screams back! And you’re aghast! She was the one who didn’t listen in the first place. IF she had, you wouldn’t have lost your temper, would you? This could be your daughter, or your spouse OR your employee! You know that this tactic doesn’t work, but you continue to use it.
Why?
Because that would mean, moving out of our comfort zones.
Here. Where our comfort zone is!
There. Where the really good shit happens!
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So, what is a comfort zone?
Most psychologists agree that ‘a comfort zone is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible‘.
Basically familiarity. Comfort. Knowing what to expect!
Evolution has designed all mammals to instinctively seek out things that minimise stress. And that is why your brain keeps you in the comfort zone, where all is familiar, known and you won’t get eaten by anything large & hairy with many sharp teeth!
But all growth conversely, comes when you step out of it!
Evolution’s a bitch!
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So, how do I move out of my comfort zone?
Knowing that you’re in your comfort zone and that you’re reluctant to move out of it, is the first step. And if you’ve read this far, then you have successfully taken that step.
And now it’s time for the next one, so click on the link below to learn the 3 PROVEN tactics that will forcibly evict you from your comfort zone!
Read first! Thank me later 🙂
HERE’S WHAT TO READ NEXT: 3 Hacks to get out of your Comfort Zone!
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