Human beings naturally tend to seek out the easiest path, and when we find a way that works for us, we tend to stick to it. This is great, but sometimes we can become so entrenched in our ways and settled into our comfort zone, it can inhibit us from achieving what we really want!
The psychology of the comfort zone
Every decision we make is a result of either seeking pleasure, or avoiding pain, and we tend to choose the option we think we’ll be happiest with.
Do you go for that run in the morning because you know you’ll feel fit and healthy afterwards? Or do you stay in bed because you know how hard it will be and how cold it is outside? Do you volunteer to lead a project at work because you think it may give you valuable skills, and possibly lead to a promotion? Or do you avoid doing so because you’re uncomfortable in leadership roles? Do you start your own business because it’s always something you’ve wanted to do? Or do you stay in your safe, secure job because you’re afraid of failure?
Often, we choose to avoid pain (or perceived pain) rather than taking the risk of seeking pleasure. Sometimes this is the right decision, but all too often it’s short-sighted, and only based on short-term outcomes. What matters to us most is how we feel right now, so we tend to make decisions that will give us pleasure in the near term, without really thinking about the long-term consequences.
Think about the big picture
Go back to your core values and your life goals. What aspects of your life are most important to you? What are your real priorities? Ask yourself if your daily decisions are moving you toward your ideal life. Are you taking the easy road at the expense of your dreams? As the old saying goes, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got. What price are you paying for staying in your comfort zone? Do you want to spend your golden years thinking of all the things that you could have done?
Take the leap
If you want to be very rich, you need to take some financial risks. Becoming a great public speaker requires getting up and speaking in front of an audience. If you want to be confident in social situations, you need to go to parties and work functions.
Nothing great is ever achieved by staying in your comfort zone. Life coaching or career coaching can help you make the leap. Make a commitment today to do something you’ve always wanted to do but were too afraid – you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get out of it.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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