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This article hits the nail on the head. I, for a long time did not know that I actually formed a comfort zone quite different from my original main comfort zone. I did this because of a romantic relationship which I wanted to maintain and would do so even if it meant to change up my comfort zone. The new comfort zone actually wasn't comfortable at al, it was a cycle of becoming someone who I originally wasn't. It has taken me over 10 years to actually figure this out. I am glad that I have because now I can actually go back to my original comfort zone which I feel safe in. The comfort zone that I created subconsciously actually created destructive behavior and I developed into a person whom I did not like much. I am a spiritual person, so I have God to thank for figuring all of this out. I will say, I am an example of someone who figured out thier own psychology through the help of God. :)
But with this desire for change comes reluctance to take the actions needed to move along a new path – to change the status quo – and we may often feel stuck.
We begin to try to perceive our ability to make any kind of change and judge ourselves, typically in subtle ways that can build into a powerful influence over our actions.
We may tell ourselves the following:
- “I am overwhelmed and don’t have time.”
- “It has to be perfect.”
- "I can’t do this.”
- “I should….”
- “I need to….”
- “I will never be able to change.”
Powerful thoughts such as these can cause us immediately to retreat to our comfort zones.
What are comfort zones?
It is natural and normal for human beings to drift toward comfort. Most of us return over and over again to what is familiar or routine, easily falling into comfortable habits that over time can create a sense of complacency and boredom – essentially very little growth of ourselves, better known as entropy or decay. The Bigger Game examines the places where comfort zones can distract from what we want our life to be about. Comfort zones are neither “good” or “bad,” they are just comfort zones; because after all, we are just human. Here is the key question to ask: “Is this comfort zone serving me and/or my Bigger Game or not serving me or my game?” There is no judgment attached to our comfort zones, but the key to a successful Bigger Game is to be aware of our comfort zones – unexamined comfort zones can cost us our own success.
“The Bigger Game” refers to an innovative model based on the belief that we all hunger for a fulfilling life – a life filled with meaning and purpose – for ourselves and for the people around us.
Note: Description of The Bigger Game used with permission from It’s All Made Up, Inc.
Take Action
Comfort zones exist in every area in our lives. The key is to be aware of them and examine which comfort zones may not be serving our current goals. Which comfort zones are preventing you from creating change?
In order to determine the answers to these questions, first, explore your comfort zones. Then, determine the solution to feeling stuck in your routine. Are you willing to move beyond the known into the unknown? Is the change you desire worth the discomfort of leaving what is familiar? No one can answer these questions but you. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of your intuition – what is your gut telling you?
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Copyright Carolyn Rubenstein
Visit my blog, A Beautiful Ripple Effect, for fresh content and inspiring tools to help you turn knowledge into action and action into change!
