Habits for Success. G. Brian Benson

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      Chapter 5

      Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

      com·fort zone

      noun: comfort zone

      1.a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable, or in control.

      “Growth comes from working outside of our comfort zones.”

      What is a comfort zone? It seems to me anything that helps keep our anxiety in check. The comfort zone, as defined by Alan Henry, is a “behavioral space where your activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk.” The important words here are stress and risk. Since a comfort zone is a place to help keep our anxiety in check, I would also imagine it houses a sense of security and familiarity. So when we leave our comfort zones, we’re basically taking a risk and opening ourselves up to the possibility of stress and anxiety because we aren’t sure what is going to happen next.

      Shilpa Chatterjee says: “Although anxiety is not exactly something we go chasing after, a little bit of it can actually be healthy. A hint of anxiousness can push us to take risks, get more done, and continually better ourselves. Healthy stress acts as a catalyst for growth, motivation and optimal performance.” I wholeheartedly agree. When we step out of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves, we are provided with so many new gifts. First and foremost, I think that we become more productive. As we expand our capabilities and break through barriers, we find new, exciting possibilities in every aspect of our lives. Your creativity will increase as you have new experiences and learn and grow from them; your creative abilities will develop and broaden.

      I can attest to this personally. After I left my family business and began to follow my intuition, all kinds of creative opportunities and gifts started showing up that I didn’t know were inside of me. Another benefit of leaving one’s comfort zone is that you will begin to have an easier time dealing with new and unexpected changes. Which in turn will make it easier to continue to push your own personal boundaries and continue the process of stepping out. Yes, please! And finally, you will achieve more. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you don’t step out of your comfort zone, how do you expect to write that children’s book that you’ve been thinking about or finishing that marathon you have always wanted to run? When we challenge ourselves to accomplish something difficult, new gifts will be unveiled, you will be given the strength to continue on, and unbelievable things happen.