“The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels familiar, safe, at ease, and secure. You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
–Roy T, Bennett
I’m reading a book called, “In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day,” by Mark Batterson. It’s an amazing book based on a story from 2 Samuel in the Bible. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get religious on you. I think you’ll like the principle from this story. Benaiah, the main character in this story, is a one mean warrior dude. He killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. Other feats attributed to Benaiah were killing a seven foot tall Egyptian giant and two Moabite heroes. The only skirmish where we know he has a weapon is with the Egyptian. The Egyptian had a huge spear and Ben only had a club. Somehow, Ben wrestled the spear from the giant and assassinated him with it!
The very next day, my Good Book reading was about David and Goliath. Everyone knows that story. What is the principle from these stories? Both of these men faced their fears and ran toward their adversaries without being were well-armed. Imagine running toward a lion or a giant. Me? No thanks. And they both succeeded and received their rewards. David was given the king’s daughter in marriage and his family never had to pay taxes again. David later became the king! Ben was awarded the prestigious job of commander of King David’s secret service.
But, wow! Talk about being outside of their comfort zone!
What rewards are you looking for in your life? Would you like a more prestigious, different or higher paying job, or more time with your family? Would you like to give more to your favorite charity? Would you like your love relationships to be more intimate and full of romance? Who would you like to have a conversation with, but are afraid to call? Would you like to write a book, learn how to paint, finish a 10K? How about going to work for yourself?
Maybe what is hindering you from achieving your deepest desires are the walls of your comfort zone. Wikipedia defines comfort as a sense of physical or psychological ease and a lack of hardship while uncomfortable people are lacking in comfort. I am hung up on the word “lacking.” I think people who are comfortable are lacking. Let me elaborate a bit.
When you go along in life and stay on the safe side of the street, not taking risks and staying under the radar, you think you are comfortable. You don’t ruffle any feathers, you don’t cause any problems, you avoid drama…Hahahaha! You are also lacking the knowledge of what you really can accomplish, who you actually can become and what dreams and desires you can obtain. You won’t ever know either, until you step forward into growth and run toward your fears.
There are times that I think our comfort zone becomes a prison. What makes me feel that way? I have been there. For years, my comfort zone was alcohol and drugs. I didn’t know if I could live without them. I didn’t know how to turn on my vacuum cleaner without cracking a beer. For the first months of my sobriety, I paid someone to clean my house!
As I ventured cautiously outside of that self-created prison, I found a whole new life!!! I started experiencing new adventures, doing new things and taking risks that I never would have before. As I continued to take those guarded steps toward the unknown, my comfort zone expanded! I believed bigger about myself and knew that my giants could be conquered.
I would like to challenge you this week. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? How about if you take a cautious step in that direction. Let me know how I can help. I will be your biggest cheerleader!
Stepping forward into growth,
Jan
Jan McDonald
The John Maxwell Team
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