We all gravitate toward what we feel most comfortable doing. We avoid going to certain places or doing certain things, because we're afraid of failing or of looking foolish or any number of other (often unfounded) fears. So instead of taking on a new challenge, we stick with the tried and true. It's called staying in your comfort zone and it is one of the biggest roadblocks to leading a truly fulfilling life.
If you've read this far, you're probably among the majority of people who regret not having taken certain chances in their lives. Maybe it's something from back in High School --like not trying to talk to someone you felt attracted to. Or maybe it was not asking for that promotion at work a few months ago. The point is - each of us likes to hover in our own comfortable little space, often at the cost of missing out on being truly happy. And, let me tell you, there's nothing worse then letting your life slip by because you don't feel comfortable taking chances once in a while.
So what can you do? ---Start with baby steps...
You'll be surprised what a small amount of effort can do for your self confidence. About 6 months past my 40th birthday, I (for the first time in my life) joined a Gym. That was a big step for me, as being a sedate, "computer guy" caused me to really pack on the pounds. I was self-conscious about not only my weight but also my age (I was expecting to see only very thin 20 something's working out). Anyway, as soon as I made the commitment to hit the gym, I started feeling better about myself. It was the simple fact that I had moved past my comfort zone and made a decision to do something different. That small step was the catalyst that got me out of the slump of sitting in front of my computer all day.
Today, I'm at the gym pretty much 6 days a week. I've move past just walking the treadmill, now I do weight training plus I'm taking Yoga and Kickboxing classes. And guess what, those very thin 20 something's aren't really that intimidating after all.
My point is, once you make even a small change it gives your confidence a boost and you start looking for the next challenge. And make no mistake, when you finally break out of your comfort zone, the whole world looks different!
David Olsen is the founder of 40Something Fitness A website dedicated to overcoming middle age. Check it out when you're starting to feel old...
It was one of those nights where the clock wasn't... Read More
Achieving the really big goals and dreams always involves breaking... Read More
Do you want to know how the super successful overcome... Read More
Who are the most courageous people in the world? Armed... Read More
Against all odds. I think that should be the motto... Read More
One of the first things successful people realize is the... Read More
I've been meaning to write this column, but I keep... Read More
It is just amazing the amount of people who don't... Read More
And somehow you knew how to stay motivated...Goals are mysterious... Read More
The darkness of Winter has descended.For many the long stormy... Read More
We frantically search for our "lost" keys that are lying... Read More
If you really want to be at your absolute peak... Read More
Why do you do what you do? What is your... Read More
"A man who has nothing to die for is not... Read More
Today's society and your private world are the results of... Read More
"Nope, this just ain't good!" How many times in our... Read More
Want to know how to run your brain and be... Read More
Where have you come from this past year? What have... Read More
Some people respond to being yelled at and even sworn... Read More
Yesterday my teenage son Matt came home with a less... Read More
Do it now! Whatever it is you have been putting... Read More
For the last hour I have been sweating over what... Read More
Ever begin doing something that you do for a few... Read More
Believe it or not, values are in the core of... Read More
Want to hear about a simple & effective motivation technique?... Read More
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that... Read More
"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow... Read More
Anybody can achieve anything ? do you believe that? I... Read More
What an absurd statement! Absurd or not, progress is not... Read More
As every New Year approaches, many of us are doing... Read More
Carol was a new client. She had been looking for... Read More
We all have excuses as to why we can't do... Read More
I am always concerned that there are so many books... Read More
Isn't a lack of daily motivation one of the biggest... Read More
Do you do things that you don't want to do?... Read More
Have you ever wondered what's really holding you back from... Read More
There are many people who enthusiastically make their New Year... Read More
In other words, it is in the "doing" that we... Read More
The 21-year-old rookie cop had his big chance to brag... Read More
Motivation is the elusive elixir. Not only does it help... Read More
Why is it that every time you start something new,... Read More
These words came up powerfully for me these past few... Read More
My experience tells me there are three stages people go... Read More
For the last hour I have been sweating over what... Read More
When a person is bored or uninterested, certain tasks and... Read More
Every passing minute.When I first heard this line, in the... Read More
Achieving the really big goals and dreams always involves breaking... Read More
How many times have you come up with a brilliant... Read More
Many people are too busy today trying to fit themselves... Read More
The way you feel about yourself impacts how and why... Read More
Can There Be Any Other Business Like Your Own Business?"Whatever... Read More
As I usually do over the Holidays, I watched one... Read More
Beep. Beep. Beep. 5:51 am. The alarm is once again... Read More
We're all familiar with the cycle:We want new, but resist... Read More
Have you ever read something like this as a "way... Read More
January is synonymous with resolutions and getting organized is high... Read More
Self Improvement Tip 4 Don't procrastinate! The more you put... Read More
Here's a bold statement:Change can be simple and easy.It really... Read More
The Japanese have a word for death by overwork: Karoshi.... Read More
About that Dream...Remember your very first job? That all-grown-up feeling!... Read More
Ah, the couch potato, that icon of American pop culture... Read More
When talking with people about their life, or their job,... Read More
We often hear that "Knowledge is Power". Is it really... Read More
Anybody can achieve anything ? do you believe that? I... Read More
How you respond to How are You reveals a great... Read More
While I was trying to find a subject to write... Read More
Motivation |