photo credit: chrystalevanshurst.com

By now we have beat the “surrender horse” to a bloody pulp! Either you’re with me or you’re not, but if you’re still reading its time to move on! What is about comfort that is so appealing?

The origin of the phrase ‘comfort zone’ is very hard to track down and everyone has a personal definition and understanding of the term. The earliest usage in relation to performance is in the title of Judith Bardwick’s 1991 work ‘Danger in the Comfort Zone: From Boardroom to Mailroom – How to Break the Entitlement Habit that’s Killing American Business.’ Doesn’t it seem a bit counterintuitive that a concept we are all so familiar with is incredibly difficult to trace? I guess I was trying to wow you with my research, but no such luck…I too came up short!

Comfort zones are counterproductive. Comfort zones create false security and close our minds to change. It is not until we find the strength to do something different that we might encounter character growth. Comfort zones lead to mediocrity by crushing our potential. We limit our capacity in exchange for a temporary feeling of comfort. We convince ourselves that if we can manage to blend in and avoid friction, we can live out our days in peace and tranquility. I am here to tell you that this is no way to live. We were created to thrive, not simply survive. With that in mind I am excited to introduce my next series. Over the next 2 weeks, I will reveal 10 ways to conquer your comfort zone. You may love them or you could hate them, but if its one thing I know for sure, you will be challenged (if you try) by each of them!

1. Name it

2. Fake it

3. Surprise it

4. Scare it

5. Transform it

6. Share it

7. Teach it

8. Put an “Un” On the Front Of it

9. Stop it

10. Feed it