Comfort Zones

There are many times in our lives where we are faced with the choice to continue within the familiar, our safe space, where things are familiar and routine, or to step outside of our comfort zone and try something new.

The choice to remain in our comfort zone sometimes comes and goes without much notice and you carry on as normal. For example, deciding what you're going to have for breakfast can be as simple as the same coffee and toast that you make every day... Or the same outfit on Friday you wear every Seahawks game day... Or going to the same unfulfilling job. There is nothing wrong with going with routine and making a choice based on habit, convenience, or necessity. In this space we flow, and perhaps make it through tasks that get us to the next day.

By living in this state of routine we feel the confidence of knowing we have what it takes to succeed. There is no risk of failure because we have already completed this same task multiple times before. This routine is safe therefore we feel the benefits of being in the comfort zone.

What if you decided one day to step outside of your comfort zone? There are times when this is necessary and others when it is a choice you make to try something new or attempt growth. Stepping outside of our comfort zone is an important choice to make because athough it can be uncofortable, it is the only way to create change.

Let's go back to our coffee and toast breakfast example. What if instead of toast we decide we are going to have coffee with scrambled eggs and toast? Or add some berries allong with your coffee and toast. Most people would agree that adding protein or fruit to the start of your day will provide additional nutrients. This small change can carry through your whole day and impact your overall health.

In my own life this past year I have had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone in many aspects of my life. I have not always reached goals that I have set for myself, but I have certainly learned many new skills, met many new people, and have learned a lot about myself. Although these changes have generally created growth, I have had many days where I have questioned my path. Through prayer, self-reflection, and the support of family and friends I have been able to continue on through many challenging days. I appreciate the challenges that I have grown through, but I also enjoy days where I can carry on within my comfort zone.

Now consider within your own regular routine how many choices that you make that are within your comfort zone... I believe that it is when we extend outside of our routine and sometimes outside of our comfort zone that we can experience the greatest growth. Perhaps one small change can help you reach an academic goal, weight loss goal, or help you be more likely to meet a deadline. Identifying ways to step outside of your comfort zone and make positive change can be a very valuable experience. The best part is that once you overcome a challenge, that new normal becomes your new comfort zone.