101 changes: Change 8 – Stretch Your Comfort Zone (43 comments)
I am writing a series of 101 small changes that we can make to make the quality of our life better and build and lead a more happier life that is in tune with our heart and mind. These are small changes that I have made and am working on right now, so I know they are possible for anyone to do.
If you have not read previous posts, check out a few posts on the changes from the past:
101 changes: Change 4 – Plant something
101 changes: Change 5 – Smile when you wake up
101 changes: Change 6:: Read a book – Benefits of reading
101 changes: Change 7 – Watch less Television and Be more productive
What is Comfort Zone? According to Wikipedia, The comfort zone is a behavioral state within which a person operates in an anxiety free condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, without risk.
We all have our comfort zone, where we excel, where do things that we know perfectly. It gives us confidence, it boosts our ego. There is nothing wrong with it, but with time our comfort zone may start to grow smaller and smaller. Some of us are afraid to try out new things, new experience out of fear; fear of failing, fear of unknown. It keeps us from achieving our best. You may know the feeling? I know as I have been there before and I occasionally have to work on my out of boundary thinking to get me going. I want to share a small impromptu poem that I wrote about Comfort zone. Hope you like it.
My Comfort Zone: Poem by Zengirl
I once was happy in my small comfort zone cloud
Where I was happy and knew things inside out.
Where I had no fear of failing
as I kept doing things over and over almost got tiring
I felt master of routine but felt torn inside
I wanted to push the boundary to be outside
Try new things, new experience
Without anyone’s interference
As my Small comfort zone felt like jail
Instead of place of no-fail
I leaped and stretched my comfort zone
I left six figure job to be home
Be home with my family and kids chatter
Where success or money did not matter
If you are stuck in comfort zone
Where you are good at what you do
But feel stuck and unhappy a bit
Try Stretching a boundary bit
If you will be glad you did.
Take my word and just do it.
It will make your heart and mind more lit.
Some of the great quotes on Comfort Zone by Wise People
If you remain in your comfort zone you will not go any further.
-Catherine Pulsifer
Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.
-Peter McWilliams
We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.
-Max DePree
A scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is not fit to be deemed a scholar.
- Lao-Tzu
We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present. -Thomas Edison
One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.
-Abraham Maslow
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
-Seneca
A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for.
-Unknown
Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.
-Brian Tracy
Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.
-Peter McWilliams
A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.
-Denis Waitley
Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.
-Norman Mailer
Progress always involves risk; you can’t progress to second base and also keep your foot on first.
-Christie Mason
We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.
-Max DePree
If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.
-Les Brown
10 ways to Stretch your Comfort Zone
- Travel to new country and hang out where locals hang out.
- Eat new ethnic food you have never tried before: For example, try Ethiopian Cuisine
- Try Ballet Dancing, or watch a Ballet Dance performance
- If you are a guy, watch a chick Flick like Pride and Prejudice
- If you are girl, try changing a tire (Note to self: do it)
- Volunteer at Food Pantry or Shelter
- Try smiling even when you are having a bad day
- Jump in Rain like kids, even when someone is watching
- Try sitting alone in peace for 15 minutes doing nothing
- Give your to-do list a off day! Do nothing day but enjoy.
Your turn: How do you stretch your comfort zone? Are you happy with one you have? Why?
What is the Personal Development Campfire?
This post is also my contribution to Comfortzone Campfire. Imagine all your favorite personal development bloggers gathered around a campfire. Campfires are great center pieces of relaxed and free flowing conversations. Think of all the wonderful conversations and the wealth of topics that might arise. That’s the idea behind the Personal Development Campfire. Your favorite bloggers all gathered together discussing a new topic every month. (Bloggers click here for details on participating in the Personal Development Campfire.)
3 entries so far… you’re next!
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Image Source:
Image: Filomena Scalise / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
101 changes: Change 1- Reduce Drinking Soda
101 changes: Change 2: Getting to email Zen
101 changes: Change 3: Slow down- Slow blogging movement
101 changes: Change 4 – Plant something
101 changes: Change 5 – Smile when you wake up
101 changes: Change 6:: Read a book – Benefits of reading
101 changes: Change 7 – Watch less Television and Be more productive
101 changes: Change 8 – Stretch your comfort zone
101 changes: Change 9: Drink to your health- Benefits of Drinking Tea
101 changes: Change 10: Bring out the artist in You AKA be creative
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Hi Preeti, thank you for your post about comfort zones, and your poem is so true:) To not have the security in the zone in exchange for something new that makes one grow feels like a good strategy. But how does one know how big a risc is okay to take? Rethorical question:)
Karma,
You may want to use your name or nick name to avoid going in to spam, somehow it was in spam for me.
Comfort zones are very comfortable to get out for all of us, but if it feels boring, or if one feels stuck, we should try to change it. Risk could be small or big, but my mind risk would be to live your entire life like that without changing anything. Small steps at time might do wonder.
Comfort zones are a big one, Preeti. After all, it is the reason we are all here on planet earth… to continually expand and create ourselves anew. Having faith in our self enables us to expand our Comfort Zone if we are not content with who we are currently expressing ourselves to be.
Rob,
It is always good to see you here and read your input! It brightens my day. I agree having faith in ourselves can be a huge help, sometimes we need to take plunge and hope and believe things will turn out fine. Faith is always better than belief or hoping as you said. Getting out of comfortable position is not always easy but it sure limits us to be the best we can be.
I liked your poem and the thought behind it. Comfort zones can lull us into believing this is how it is supposed to be and when we dare to peek out of that little bubble we find so much more waiting to be explored.
Clearly Composed recently posted.. ABCs of Balanced Eating
Emma,
Thank you for liking the poem. Yes, comfort zone are simply that, we feel so comfortable to do anything new. If we feel stuck in one, we should push our comfort zone. I admit it is not easiest for me to push my comfort level as I am naturally laid back.
Wonderful post Preeti! You have the poem, and quotes and tips and all…. I must say, I’m mighty impressed! I liked the poem a lot, and I’ll take your word and just do it
How I stretch my comfort zone? Well, yesterday I quit my job and for less than a month I will move to a new city! Honestly, I know it will be difficult, but I have not felt this good for a long time! Change and getting out of comfort zone is always healthy in my opinion!
Marko,
Thank you for liking it all, poem, quotes and 10 ways to stretch our comfort zone! All in one post, hope it was too much!
You already doing many things.
Wow, quitting your job! That is sure one way to getting out of comfort zone, Good for you, I am sure new windows of opportunity will be opening up. May I ask what made you quite your job? Do you have something lined up? I wish more joy and success for you.
Thanks Preeti, I too wish you more joy and success! And thanks for asking, there are several reasons, one is that he moves to live with my girlfriend in another town…
Marko,
Thank you. I could use all the great wishes right now. I am so happy you are moving close to your girl friend as long distance love relationship can be hard on both of you. Say hello to her. I bet she must be happy to be close to you and you must love to quit your job to be close with her.
Hi Preeti,
This is a beautiful post on stretching your comfort zone.
I love your poem! It is simple and profound at the same time especially when you have to find the strength and courage to overcome your inertia to step out of your comfort zone.
That is also an interesting collection of quotes you have there. Abraham Maslow’s quotes resonates with me the most. Stepping out of our comfort zone is indeed a challenge which we must overcome again and again. There is little room for complacency. This is the only way to grow.
I think I should try giving my to-do list a day off. Thus far I have only given it 1/2 a day off and even during my time of rest I was thinking of how to make up for lost time later. Haha!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post Preeti!
The Vizier recently posted..Focus on the Solution not the Problem
Hi Irving,
Good to see you again. Thanks for liking the poem, it was last minute writing! I do write poems and stories on my spare time (like my mother and grandfather) but not getting much time lately to do much creative things.
Yes, quotes are amazing and it is interesting to see what famous and wise people have said about comfort zone. I like Maslow’s quote too. Here to taking time from to-do list, as long we do it occasionally, it should be allright!
Preeti,
I loved the poem you wrote. Excellent!
I love the idea of the personal development bloggers campfire! Wonderful. I think it would be an experience of a lifetime.
I think for me one of the changes I’m currently working on of downsizing my home, possessions and financial obligations is going to make a world of difference in my life!
Thanks for this fabulous post!
Angela Artemis recently posted..The Secret to Knowing If Youre On The Right Path
Angela,
Thank you for kind word on poem. It was written impromptu in a few minutes only. You are sure big example of stretching your comfort zone by selling a house, stuff and changing a whole life ahead of you. I am sure and hope in long term it will be beneficial to you, like you said in your one post, we all want big life and not big house. Good for your changes and being great daughter as you are to your mom.
hello preeti
how are you?
first of all, you are a lady of many parts. i didnt know you write poems.
breaking out of our comfort zones at times makes us realize we are worth more than we think. it involves taking risks and as you’ve rightly said, stretching ourselves but the benefits are numerous.
a certain level of progress, an increase in ones personal growth and development is made when one breaks out of his/her comfort zone constructively.
take care and enjoy the rest of the day.
ayo recently posted..The Benefits Of Flexible Optimism
Ayo,
Did I surprised you? by a poetry? I am jack of all trades but not good at one thing. I do write poetry and stories occasionally when I feel creative and when I have little time, which is sure hard right now.
Taking risks and pushing our comfort zone can bring dis-comfort but after doing it feels so much better. You are one guys who seems to be doing it well.
Without going out of our comfort zones we would never see our own greatness. It is like a young eagle who was raised as a chicken and had later grown up admiring his own kind soaring in the skies; it has no idea of what it really is because it did not bother itself to try to fly.
Walter,
I like the story of young eagle, it is so inspiring and teaches us, how we are raised makes a difference but later as an adult we make our choices to be best we can be or live life of ordinary. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
An inspiring post, Preeti. You have certainly challenged your own comfort zone on your journey and in sharing that journey you help other people take those first steps into an exhilarating future.
I shall check out the Development Campfire – it sounds intriguing.
Dawn recently posted..Oct 27 Mutaflor Living With Ulcerative Colitis
Dawn,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes, we all love and push our comfort level time to time.
I enjoyed your post on a closer look into comfort zones. Growth does take place when we traverse beyond our “safe” areas. While I have a tendency to cling to my comfort area, I enjoy challenging myself every now and then.
The campfire you are in sounds warm and inviting. Thanks for letting me know!! I may just join in for future rounds.
Evelyn Lim recently posted..Recipe for Success: Help Me to Cook
Evelyn,
Many of us love being in our small comfort area, including myself. Like you said challenging ourselves to do new things, and out of ordinary things makes life more interesting and freeing sometimes. You already are living life of abundance, which sounds cool to me.
It would nice to have you join in future campfire, it is hosted by eric of eden journal.
You’re so right, Preeti. Many of us are afraid to experiment even a little outside our comfort zone, and I’m just as guilty as the next person. Your post is very inspiring, and I enjoyed reading your candid poem. Kudos to you!
Vaishali recently posted..Low-Fat Rajasthani Five-Lentil Curry Panchmel Dal
Vaishali,
Pushing comfort zone is hard for many of us, including myself. I have made a few changes slowly and some I took a plunge. Even though fear of unknown is scary, feeling the freedom of life is worth the effort. Do it when you are ready, or just do it. I am glad you liked my candid poem. You are also inspirational also.
Preeti, this is a wonderful post. Your poem is great, I love the part about a comfort zone being like a jail. I think many people just sit in that jail cell for fear of going outside. The ones the choose to go outside are rewarded with new experiences and new opportunities.
Thanks for contributing to the Personal Development Campfire. I really love the thought you put into your posts.
Eric | Eden Journal recently posted..Karma- Heaven- Spirtual Growth- and Reincarnation – Does it all make sense
Eric,
Thank you for liking the post and poem. I am happy to participate in this campfire and there might be a few new interest in it, as it is good thing.
Comfort zone can be sometimes too comfortable to stop us being the best we can be. I am trying to just do that and it feels much better doing what you love and care for. It is one of important aspect of personal development.
Now it’s my turn to be surprised by your hidden poetic talent! Good tips for venturing out of your comfort zone!
Betsy Bargain recently posted..Squash Those Soup Cravings
Betsy,
I am glad I surprised you. I have shared my poetry before on heart and mind. I am glad you liked the tips on comfort zone.
Hi Preeti,
I am a new comer to your blog, and some how I ended up at your blog and I’m glad I did. As well as this post, I realised you have captured so much valuable information in your blog that I don’t need to go elsewhere – congratulations.
I have only just started in this space myself and I believe most of the questions that I wanted to ask to someone who is an experienced blogger are all being answered here.
I have decided to go back to the start on the 101 changes programme as I will be able to build up a better understanding and hopefully get some good tips.
Awakening Tempest recently posted..My First – So Be Gentle
AT,
Welcome, I saw you are a new blogger! Blogging can be a great creative outlet and I hope you enjoy it. I am glad you find the content useful here, I try to write from heart and what I feel might be useful to others as well.
I think you will like 101 change posts, as it is about making many small and easy changes to make big positive difference in life.
I love giving myself stretch goals – you’re right, we can’t grow or develop if we never get outta our comfort zones. Right now, I’m working on developing better relationships with people, and developing my manliness.
Henway recently posted..GoDaddy Review
Henway,
Better relationship with people is always good thing to do. Sometimes we get so caught up in other things we forget the most important aspect of life, people. Good for you, I am sure it will change things for better!
I also like to stretch my comfort zone, and consciously try to make my life better and learn more. One thing lately which has had dramatic impact on my life- is limiting my internet time. It definitely challenges my comfort level, as I’m often wondering what I’m missing… but then I relax and focus more on the moment and remember life before this major distraction.
I love all your ideas!
Mary R recently posted..Delicious Tahitian Food
Mary,
I hear you about internet usage. I am good with TV time but not so with internet. I have cut down on my blogging and commenting a lot since school started. It seems I am supposed to blog part time, but there have been times where I have spent almost 8 hours doing blog related work. It sure is pushing my comfort zone. Let me know how does cutting down on internet goes for you, I would love to hear it.
This is why it is always great to come to this sight. It only re defines the fundamentals. Comfort zone, stay away from. It’s the only way to live a fulfilling life.
jonathan figaro recently posted..27 Ways To Stay Insane
Jonathan,
Comfort zone can be too comfortable for us sometimes to be more, the best we can be! Good to keep pushing occasionally.
Preeti-Great Post and Great topic. I think it is so important to take your advice to heart. That really is what life is about … getting out of your comfort zone and expanding and growing. The realty is that nothing but the status quo will ever happen unless we commit to doing things in ways we have never done before and pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Great post and excellent advice.
Sibyl – alternaview recently posted..The Best Question to Ask to Put Everything Into Perspective
Sibyl,
Thanks. Pushing comfort zone can be hard for many, including me. I still have to work on time and again to make sure I too do not get “TOO” comfortable with life that life becomes so mundane. I guess that is why it is calling “comfort zone”, as it is too comfortable to do anything else
[...] drinker then you already know how beneficial it is. If you have not tried it yet, get out of your comfort zone a little and taste tea [...]
I enjoyed your poem – emphasizes the Just Do It attitude. Great!
Get Happy Life recently posted..Get Happy by Helping- Unemployed relatives
Get Happy,
I am glad you liked the poem and message! Thanks.
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