Why stepping out of your comfort zone allows for major growth and change

When was the last time you were put in an uncomfortable position? An argument? A confrontation? A deadline you had to make at work? A talk you had to have with one of your kids? Let’s be real- these situations straight up suck. Stress and tension are high and the future is unknown. For me, not knowing what to expect is the biggest hurdle. I despise the unknown.

I mean this makes sense, right? After all we are creatures of habit.  We like routine. We like constants. I ask about your last uncomfortable situation because I want you to think about how you got through it and what came there after. Maybe it was a different mind set. Maybe you quit your job. Maybe you joined the gym. Whether it’s obvious to you or not, there was some variable of change that came out of dealing with that uncomfortable situation. Undeniably- there was a shift.

Change is one of the only constants we have in this life. It can be so easy to become complacent. In our relationships, with work, our bodies, our health...I often encourage my clients to constantly set goals, evaluate those goals monthly and something I started encouraging not only my clients  but myself to do as well is to accomplish something that really scares you. Something that seriously scares the crap out of you. Here’s the thing- We are SO good at making excuses up for ourselves! The truth of the matter is we are ALL busy. We all have crazy schedules and are sleep deprived.

Here’s the thing- the reason it is so important to step outside your comfort zone is because when you set the bar high, you have to rise to the occasion. Or you will not make it. We become so engulfed and focused on the can’ts we often times don’t even give it a legitimate shot.  

We have a quarter left to go of 2016. We are ¾ of the way through the year. Crazy, right? Have you accomplished everything you wanted to this year? Have you grown? Physically, mentally, spiritually? What can you do in the next 4 months to make it happen?

I know. It can be overwhelming. I encourage you to look where you instinctively do not want to. Look at the things that make you the most uncomfortable and devise a plan of attack. Think about how you can get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Here’s the thing- and be real with yourself- what is the worst thing that can happen? You quit. You don’t make it. OK. Maybe you lose money. (that would suck) but let’s focus on what you gained out of that lose:

• Experience

• Wisdom

• Knowledge

• Understanding

• Self awareness

• Empathy

• Confidence

Stepping outside your comfort zone is imperative in making positive changes in your life because whether you accomplish the intended goal, you still have learned something from the lose!

SO... I’m giving you homework. Yes homework. Before the year is over, I want you to try to tackle something you are scared of. It can be anything. It can be something small too. Then see what comes out of it. Take note of how you changed and what you learned. Apart of my coaching method is challenging all my clients to constantly think this way and constantly be improving their lives, bodies and minds. Sure I want to help all of them reach their fitness goals, but I want to empower them and make them realize that they can do this on their own with the right mindset and attitude!