Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Don't Let Your "Yes Buts" Impact Your Potential

"I really dislike my job!"

"You have been saying that for a long time. You can find a different job, you know!"

"Yes, but... the money's pretty good here."

Have you ever had a conversation like that before? Are you the one who doesn't like your job? And, are you the one who has lots of "yes, buts" to explain why you're still in work that doesn't fit you? Yes, but...I have a good salary and benefits... I like my co-workers... this is the only work I've ever done... it's close to home... it's familiar... I don't know what else I could do.

If you have a ready list of "yes, buts," you are likely entrenched in your "comfort zone," which is a place most of us find ourselves at one time or another. Each of us creates a "comfort zone" for ourselves that is made up of familiar people, places, things, activities, and habits. We feel at home there. While it's an understandable place to find yourself, it can also be a dangerous place. Being mired in your comfort zone can cause you to lose out on getting the most out of life.

Staying stuck in your comfort zone can lead to missing out on becoming the person God created you to be; never doing the things God designed you to do; and feeling a deep sense of regret at the end of your life. That's a high price to pay for being "comfortable." The good news is that it isn't hard to stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone so that you can respond to God's calling on your life.

Little Steps Lead to Big Results

Here are two key words: Start small. You don't need to take giant strides that feel overwhelming! Little, do-able, "bite-sized" steps can get you moving forward. Little steps create a momentum that  make it much easier to take bigger steps.

"Start Small" Suggestions for Expanding Your Comfort Zone

1. Examine your comfort zone. Write down any ways you feel trapped by your comfort zone. What are the "yes, buts" that tend to keep you stuck (and fearful about making changes)? Think about why these factors have such a powerful hold on you.

2. List the changes you would like to make. What changes would you make in your work and life if you were guaranteed that you would be successful?

3. Write down all the benefits you can imagine of making these changes in your life. Often, we tend to dwell on the perceived cost of making changes without ever considering what we will gain by moving forward.

4. Practice affirming biblical truths. Faith is the opposite of fear. The more our minds dwell on biblical truths that build faith and trust in God, the less room there is for fear to become entrenched. See Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 6:10-11; and, 2 Timothy 1:7. How do these promises relate to making positive changes in your life?

5. Do at least one new thing a week. This can be as simple as driving to work a new way, ordering a new entrée from a menu, reading about careers that are interesting to you or volunteering to do something new at your church or in your community. Each new action expands your comfort zone. When you habitually do new things, you prove to yourself that change is possible...and even enjoyable!

 
Excerpts from Live Your Calling (2005) by Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck. Used by permission of Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint.

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