I do all kinds of short writing, and podcasts. I’ve wanted to do this one for a while. The “Comfort Zone” is a physical phenomenon. Address it appropriately.
How to Change the World on Your Commutes and in Seemingly Mundane Situations
Actions to get out of your comfort zone & bring comfort to countless others.
You have large thoughts. You're deeply invested in your job and spare time pursuits, whether it's launching your own business focused on solving real problems or contributing to a meaningful organization. The prospect of taking the next significant step can be daunting, especially when you're accustomed to your current comfort zone.
In any case, you want to do it. You want to change everything. In fact, you may be on the verge of taking the next step that will actually take everything to the next level. That can be really scary because you have become comfortable with where you are now. You are kind of “set in your ways," as it were. It all seems overwhelming. It’s hard to leave the comfort zone. There is a reason.
Despite the overwhelming nature of such efforts, remember to compartmentalize your activity from feelings of uncertainty and take action:
Recognize that, while large-scale endeavors may seem daunting, the physical tasks involved are often no more challenging than everyday activities.
Phone calls are phone calls. Emails are emails. Paragraphs are paragraphs.
Break down tasks into their smallest actions to alleviate fear and inertia, focusing on the tangible physical movements required to accomplish them.
Understand that fears, particularly those related to money, can inhibit progress, but success isn't solely about financial gain; it's about creating value and pursuing meaningful goals. A $100 bill weighs no more than a $1 bill. A giant stack of $100 bills weighs no more than a giant stack of singles. But everything in the world is not about money, and it is usually fears associated with money that scare people who are about to accomplish great things, and that fear holds them back.
The dreams and goals of going to new places, having nicer things, and as being seen as someone truly valuable are not always enough, and those things are not even the motivation for everyone. In fact, the comfort of anonymity is often the impetus for people to never take that next step. Some people do not want to be rich and famous, and they are not impressed by Leer Jets and cruises and the hype of having colossal, life-sized images of themselves projected into the world in order to create a sense of awe in people who have a penchant for following. Sometimes our own self-interest is not enough to get our juices flowing because we like our lives the way they are, even though we have a desire to accomplish new things.
Sometimes we do not want to be perceived as someone who is an egoist, because, let’s face it, some of the most successful and famous people in the world are megalomaniacal jackasses, and we just do not want to be perceived as such, even if it is not a befitting description.
People are going to say this about you ANYWAY. Judge yourself by your enemies.
Maintain focus on the underlying purpose that is meeting the need you are addressing.
Getting out of your comfort zone is a difficult thing sometimes. It is called a comfort zone because that is exactly what it is: a physiological phenomenon.
We feel good there; we might even want to call it a familiarity zone, or a certainty zone. When we know we are on the verge of huge success, we can feel our familiarity and boundaries being threatened by new relationships and responsibilities, by the necessity to rub shoulders with new people who carry all kinds of influence in realms that we are not familiar with and realms we may have preconceived notions about.
Sometimes we feel that the new relationships we are making are straining our current relationships. You have to make time to shore that up as well.
It is easy to just shrink back to what we are comfortable with, even when it means getting out of our comfort zone for a few days will bring comfort to countless others.
Alter your physical environment to create a sense of urgency and purpose
Trick your brain into a state of heightened focus and productivity.
Embrace new experiences and environments, whether by conducting tasks in public spaces or changing your location, to foster adaptability and a sense of adventure.
Rather than making these phone calls or other similar physical movements in your usual familiar location, go to a public place, like a local diner, or take a ride on a subway, commuter train, or bus in order to create a sense of adventure and energy that will not only be heard in your voice, but also foment physical conditions of urgency that will cause you to focus and "think on your feet".
Once you’ve made your first big push away from your comfort zone and tackled a first set of goals, that is exactly NOT the time to relax and get comfortable. This could be the time to obliterate your old comfort zone and set up a new familiarity. Make another big push right now.
Once you've navigated these challenges and achieved success at a new level, take time to acclimate and establish routines while remaining open to further growth opportunities. Reflect on your journey, determine any necessary habit adjustments, and continue pushing boundaries to shape a better future. Your dedication to progress is invaluable, and your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to positive change in the world.
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