Thursday, November 18, 2010

Daily Om: Living Outside the Comfort Zone

http://thewinningmindinbaseball.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/confidence-comfort-zone.jpg

A little reminder that when we stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone is when we tend to grow. When we are faced with things that challenge our safe zones, we tend to put them off or avoid them - I know all about this because I do it.

In the past four months, my life has shifted into a much more public and involved place that pushes my buttons around being invisible (a goal I have held for decades). But I don't want to be invisible, even though one of my parts seeks this as a form of safety.

For me, (gently) pushing through discomfort requires acknowledging those parts that are resistant, trying to honor their needs, and being respectful of the role they play in wanting to keep me safe.

Outside the Comfort Zone
Things We Don’t Want to Do

Putting off doing what scares us and brings up fear only creates more obstacles in our lives.

Most of us have had the experience of tackling some dreaded task only to come out the other side feeling invigorated, filled with a new sense of confidence and strength. The funny thing is, most of the time when we do them, we come out on the other side changed and often wondering what we were so worried about or why it took us so long. We may even begin to look for other tasks we’ve been avoiding so that we can feel that same heady mix of excitement and completion.

Whether we avoid something because it scares us or bores us, or because we think it will force a change we’re not ready for, putting it off only creates obstacles for us. On the other hand, facing the task at hand, no matter how onerous, creates flow in our lives and allows us to grow. The relief is palpable when we stand on the other side knowing that we did something even though it was hard or we didn't want to do it. On the other hand, when we cling to our comfort zone, never addressing the things we don't want to face, we cut ourselves off from flow and growth.

We all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. Bringing that task to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it as soon as possible is an act that could liberate a tremendous amount of energy in our lives. Whatever it is, we can allow ourselves to be fueled by the promise of the feelings of exhilaration and confidence that will be the natural result of doing it.


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