Your Comfort Zone

 
 

What if instead of breaking out of your comfort zone, you honored it?

Ok, this might take a minute to wrap your head around, but bear with me here.   

The personal development space and many motivational speakers constantly urge us to "break out of our comfort zones", "push the boundaries" and "take a leap of faith". 

However, when we force ourselves out of our comfort zone we often experience stress, anxiety, and fear in our hearts, minds, and bodies.  Now, I agree, the magic does happen when we push beyond our boundaries, but what if we could take that next step forward, face our fears and take a leap of faith in a way that works for us?  In a way that feels safe and protected.  What if we could take our comfort zone with us as we step into the unknown? 

Imagine how powerful that would be.   

When I was studying NLP at the iNLP Center (they are amazing by the way!)I learned more about the concept of psychological safety in this context.  Here’s the thing: we are biologically hard-wired for safety.  When our brain and body sense a ‘dangerous’ situation, the amygdala, or, primitive brain mobilizes to deal with it.  Hence we get anxiety, fear, adrenaline.  And when you experience those emotions, it’s really hard to focus on anything else!  But, if we keep our psychological safety intact, our brain is free to focus on moving forward and making it happen.  Our resources are freed up to focus on execution and progression, not fear and anxiety. 

Our emotional safety is as important as our physical safety.  Just look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  Safety is fundamental to being human.  If we don't find a way to feel safe, we can’t focus on building, growing, extending and reaching beyond our current circumstances, and yes, our comfort zone.   

Now, I’m not suggesting you stay where you are so you feel safe and comfortable.   I’m suggesting you figure out what you need to feel safe so you can move forward.   

I'm suggesting you identify your own criteria for safety.    What do you need to feel safe and secure so you CAN move forward? 

Find out HOW in my latest article just out on outofstress.com!

Whatever big goals, dreams and hopes you have for the future, and whatever fears, obstacles and anxieties you might be facing, I encourage you to honor your comfort zone, understand what you need to feel safe and address those criteria as you push the boundaries and take your leap of faith into the big, wide unknown. 

Read the full article HERE :)  I hope you enjoy it.  

Here's to living a life you love!

P.S. If you haven't already, please connect with me on Linked-In, Facebook, and Instagram 

 

 
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