Comfort Quick Sand

I’d like to preface this entire blog post by saying that I also love the comfort and I am working on getting out of that mindset. I’m a very routine person and a lot of that has to do with my lifestyle, you know it requires routine. However, I’ve found myself in a lot of moments being stressed out because I was out of my routine. Lowkey, that’s a mild embarrassment. So what is a good balance between comfort and stepping out of the comfort zone so we’re not stuck in the sand?

Comfort Benefits

Ultimately we all love comfort, whether that’s financially, romantically, physically, or emotionally. Comfort feels good, it feels safe which is why it’s seemingly difficult for some people to get out of what’s comfortable to reach a potentially better everything. Comfort means you’re not stressed out about whatever you’re in comfort about. Obviously, not being stressed is a huge pro, you know what you’re doing and you know what the outcome is. I don’t want to discard that comfort in times IS a good thing, but remind myself that we don’t have to stay there in regards to every part of our lives.

Comfort Setbacks

• Staying in a state of comfort simply because it’s comfortable means you’re not reaching your full potential. It’s similar to waking up in the morning, you’re allowed to soak in that moment of pure bliss, feeling the warmth of your blankets and a dog snuggling next to you but at some point, you get up and you go do something. If you stay in bed forever, all you’re going to experience is what you already know, and guess what, the bed isn’t going anywhere and neither are you if you stay there.

• Enthusiasm drops over time. When you stop being enthusiastic about something because it's become “the norm” that should be an alert to you. But why do people find it so difficult to break free of situations that they are less than enthusiastic about? Because it has become the norm. We get used to it. We settle.

• Settling: when we give up on hoping for something greater and become content with doing just “this” for the rest of our lives.

Tips for Getting out of the Zone

““The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” We’ve all heard these famous words, often attributed to Albert Einstein; allow me to present an alternate interpretation. Clinging to old actions, habits, and behaviors is indeed unproductive, but you’re not insane—you’re resisting.” -Dr. Logan Jones

Comfort Limits Potential.

The moral of the story, you have to change things up to get different outcomes. If you know that the endgame of what your current life looks like and it doesn't please you, the enthusiasm drops thinking about it, or you have negative emotions….walk away. Do something different!! Here are some great ways to start!

• Set New Intentions: be specific about your desires and take a step each day to get closer to that end goal.

• Do Something: You can’t bake a cake without cracking some eggs. Take some action to get moving in that direction. Have a spine.

• Accountability: Tell some friends what you’re going to do and then allow them to ask you how it's going. Maybe even ask them to encourage you when you’re not meeting the next step mile markers.

• Boundaries: Set boundaries between what you’re walking away from so you don’t slip back into it.

• Let go of Fear: Let go of the comfort you’re holding on to….it’s not benefiting you to stay. There’s so much excitement just waiting for you.

• Be okay with losing: Not all friendships and relationships are forever. Getting out of routine and comfort can disturb what's already there. That's okay. Learn to say bye, even if it hurts a little bit.

• Don’t Settle: Stop settling for something you are less than enthusiastic about. Passion, emotion, and excitement keep you going. If you lose that, just say your peace and bounce.

We can all be little chickens. We like knowing what the outcome is. We like knowing what we already know. If what you already know isn’t what you want to know, you should get to know what you dream to know. Find a passion, and leave the mundane. A letter to myself.

Don’t live a life that will leave you wishing you had more courage when you were younger.

“Do Not Lie to Yourself. We have to be honest about what we want and take risks rather than lie to ourselves and make excuses to stay in our comfort zone.” -Roy T. Bennett