I mentioned in an earlier post that my New Year’s Resolution this year is to step out of my comfort zone more.  In that post, I also gave some pretty good tips for writing a successful resolution or goal.  If you missed that post, you can read it here. While I am very happy with that post, I did want to elaborate on my resolution.

The only good thing you will ever find in your comfort zone is comfort.  Everything else will require you to step out.

I want more.  I want more money.  I want more quality.  I want more joy.  I want more success.  The problem with my comfort zone is that there is no more… just the same.  If I am satisfied with the status quo, the comfort zone is perfectly adequate.  I’m not satisfied.  I want more.   I want to grow.  I want to learn.  I want to achieve.

If I want to grow, I will have to reach and step out of my comfort zone.  I will have to initiate changes.  If I want to get healthier, I will have to stop eating “comfort” foods… or eat less, anyway.  Comfort foods are totally in my comfort zone.  Amen?  I need to choose healthier options and make choices based on nutrition rather than eating what feels good.  Ouch!  I’m already uncomfortable.

I can’t think of many things that are less comfortable than the elliptical.  Sweating is never comfortable for me.  I hate it.  I need it.  Yuck!

Fortunately, other changes and reaches aren’t as painful.  Teaching my home schooled boys using methods outside of my natural learning and/or teaching styles allow me to stretch to become a better and more effective teacher.  For instance, I am not visual so I have to make a concerted effort to incorporate visual instruction.

Then there are the areas that are only uncomfortable because of the sacrifice of time and/or money.  I don’t like to think of them as sacrifices, though.  The word “sacrifice” implies that I am somehow a victim to my choice.  Victims aren’t empowered.  I prefer the word “Investment”.  I am investing my time and money in myself.  I am empowering myself to spend more time and money on bettering myself and learning.

As a blogger, I am using social media groups and videos to learn from those who have been doing this much longer than I have.  I am picking the brains of the experienced.  As a Christian, I am reading great books and watching segments from ministers I have come to respect and trust.

I am also open to unexpected opportunities to step out of my comfort zone.  Social gatherings make me very uncomfortable.  Most unexpected opportunities for me involve public speaking or social gatherings.  Both are incredibly draining and take a lot out of me.  That doesn’t mean that I always say, “Yes.”  In fact, sometimes saying, “No” is much more uncomfortable, and other times the sacrifice isn’t worthwhile.

I am not choosing discomfort only for discomfort’s sake.

I am purposefully choosing specific opportunities that allow and encourage growth, education, improvement, and prosperity.  2016 is filled with opportunities and promise!  I can’t wait!!

 If you find yourself outside the comfort zone, we might just bump into one another.  I welcome the company.

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