What Works: Blow up the borders of your comfort zone
Submitted by editor on Mon, 02/23/2015 - 10:48am
“I can’t” are the two of the easiest words to say but, in my opinion, some of the most limiting in the English vocabulary. It’s one step below “I won’t,” the line in the sand that places a permanent border up around your experience, complete with guards and razor wire.
Now, many circumstances exist where these phrases are absolutely fine. However, when accompanied by FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) you have two choices. You can Face Everything And Rise or Forget Everything And Run.
One of these outcomes can result in new experiences and growth. The other can result in avoidance, additional fear, and possibly even pain.
Think about your kids (or other people’s kids if you don’t have any). When they have a growth spurt, they eat more. Sure, you have to dish out a little more to satisfy their little growth spurt-induced appetites. But, lo and behold, they get taller in the process. They grow up. This accommodation, stretching beyond the usual, is a biological response that enables growth.
Now, take it back to your life. You are being asked to try something new, innovative, or different. It’s not the way you have always done it. It makes you a tad uncomfortable but, ultimately, you can see where the stretch would be beneficial. You can stay with status quo or you can lean into the discomfort a bit and see where it takes you. Ultimately, leaning toward or leaning away is your choice.
Last year, I made a commitment to lean into the discomfort a bit. I have allowed myself to be single for the last eight months. I have allowed friendships and relationships to grow organically. I have been bold by making my boundaries known. All of this has resulted in a healthier whole-life for me. Has it been uncomfortable? Heck yeah. It’s been downright excruciating at times making that change. Has it been beneficial? You bet!
By leaning into discomfort, you blow up the borders of your comfort zone to let new experiences in. You might be open to expanding your office, bringing on more team, firing a problem client, launching a new product line, taking it slow in a new relationship, or starting a new hobby. For me, it has resulted in more personal and professional growth than I can list in a single article.
What will you try this week that will push a little bit past your comfort zone? The floor is yours, Carson City.
ABOUT DIANE HANSEN
Diane Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a coaching firm that has helped people worldwide with their businesses, careers, mindsets, and profit margins. She brings to Carson City more than 17 years of experience with a wide array of clients, ranging from top corporations, motivated entrepreneurs and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, on Carson Now.
