How big is your comfort zone? I have to admit, mine is quite small. It’s a tightly woven glove I slip on each morning.
I lie in bed and think of the great things I’m going to accomplish, only, upon rising, to be bound by the ropes of my comfort zone. The phone calls I was going to make, the people I planned to visit, and the challenges I determined to face all await me, just outside my orbit of ease.
Maybe your comfort zone is restrictive like mine or possibly its borders traverse a wide expanse. Either way, these limitations are a great crisis in our lives. Wherever your realm of comfort ends, it keeps you from reaching your full potential.
From a self-sustaining perspective, our comfort zone may seem a good thing. This bubble of protection keeps us from harm. It prevents us from engaging in situations that cause unhealthy stress and worry. So, we think we are maintaining peace inside the safety of our personal demilitarized zone. We choose to avoid border skirmishes and the discomfort they cause.
We exist in shells, walking around bumping into one another, but never hatching. At no time do we poke our heads out and breath the fresh air of freedom. We suffocate and serve our insecurity.
There are battles of excuses and alibis waging in our hearts. We know on an intellectual level we have great responsibilities, but our emotional reflex throws up walls. While we may like the peace of our protective armor, it’s actually a dangerous war zone.
Why is this so dangerous? Because ultimately it’s selfish and keeps us from action. We fail in business, relationships, and spirituality. We are passed over for promotions, place a gulf between us and our loved ones, and are lukewarm in our service to God.
But, don’t fret, there is hope. We can all scale the fences of our insecurity and expand our territory of comfort.
Those challenging times when I determine to break free of the bonds of my self-imposed limitations are exhilarating. The over-whelming feeling of empowerment and immense opportunity are thrilling. I get lost in the moment and believe I am unstoppable.
I eventually come back down to earth and remember my inhibitions, however, they are not as restrictive as before. I can traverse a greater distance. In other words, it’s worth it! I find out it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I reflect, “Why did I make such a big deal out of that?”
Like the proverbial band-aid, you find out it hurts a lot less if you just rip it off rather than removing it slowly. When you sit back and worry and take tiny steps, you never reach your goal. It becomes too painful. You stagnate and put the band-aid back on.
The next time you are faced with an uncomfortable situation, DIVE IN! Attack the situation with full force and win the battle with your nerves. You’ll realize it wasn’t as bad as you thought and you will become a better person with the world in your hands.
Remember the words of Jesus, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
We each have great ability and the responsibility to perform our best and consistently expand our comfort zone.
How do you step outside your comfort zone?
