I admit that for a long time getting “outside my comfort zone” sounded ominous and painful. It’s funny how this simple term can have such a profound effect on one’s mental state. I think the reason is that most people who have busy lives and have also had many years (or decades) to get used to something, really need to expend a tremendous amount of energy to restructure their mental framework to allow for a significant change. This can be extremely challenging when life is busy and time is short. In addition to that, they often find themselves making an attempt to change, without any real support except for their limited mental energy, and they may also be struggling with naysayers and doubters pounding them with detractions.
Getting outside your comfort zone to make changes is challenging, but certainly very doable and above all, well worth it. Realistically, it’s the only way to achieve true and lasting change.
So the questions become:
1. How do I build a core desire to change?
2. How can I complete the process and not quit?
3. What can I expect the results to be and, more importantly, will they be worth it!?
The answers are unique to each individual, but here are some things to consider when trying to make a transition to a better, more fulfilling life:
1. Building core desire should be based on tangibles (goals and desires)
* Do you have all the money you need to be debt free, own a nice home, have reliable vehicles, provide for your family and loved ones, and be set for life after working?
* Is your time your own? Can you do what you want, when you want? Is this situation acceptable to you?
* Are you happy? (Yes, you have the right to be happy!) Whoever came up with the notion that people have to be unhappy and guilt-ridden as they traipse through life was probably themselves guilt-ridden and miserable. People should be happy, fulfilled, enjoying life!
Money, time, and personal fulfillment are the basis for a life-changing decision, and if even one of these is not in line with your desires, you have a reason to develop a core desire for change. And you should.
2. Completing the process is easier than starting it, and I can sum it up this way: Keep making an effort until you get where you want to go!
Let’s say you decide to take your family on a road trip, in a rented RV one summer, to see the major landmarks along Route 66. The trip is going to be six weeks, and you expect it to be a lot of fun. So after two or three weeks, you suddenly get tired of driving. Would you pull over and stop? Never continuing the trip because you are tired? No, you would rest for a while, re-energize, maybe get some food and coffee, and drive on. This simple example is a metaphor for making change. Keep moving forward, take a break when you get tired, then keep going. It really is that simple.
Some things that will help you keep going:
a. Find good information from people who have done what you are trying to do, and follow their lead.
b. Work in stages, or steps. Don’t overdo, and don’t skimp or shirk tasks. Set daily goals for progress and check tasks off as you complete them. If you can’t finish one, move it to the front of the next day’s to-do list.
c. Take frequent short breaks between tasks. Burn-out can be dangerous because you mightoverwhelm yourself with doing, get tired, and lose your routine.
d. Celebrate task completion, no matter how small, with a reinforcing action. Some people shout YOO HOO. Other’s treat themselves to a glass of water. Maybe it’s a small piece of chocolate that you’d prefer. Celebrate your victories!
e. When you complete a major step, and are beginning to move forward, have a larger celebration then figure out what’s working and do more of it.
3. Will the results be worth it? Will I get what I’m after? YES
If you have set your mind on change, analyzed what’s not right, set goals for correcting it, and have established a plan and are following it, you will force yourself to succeed. You won’t settle for anything less! The beauty of this system is that it is based on a simple personal commitment, and everything that you need to succeed is already in place. The information is available, often for no or little cost. The opportunities are everywhere, and not that hard to find. Mentors can be found. Successful people can be found and followed. There is only one part of the equation that requires 100% from you, commitment and a refusal to fail. A willingness to get out of your “comfort zone” and go for broke.
The rest will take care of itself.
