Yesterday, I was reading a post about ‘year in review’ questions and came across a question about going outside your comfort zone.
I hate that phrase.
Do I get that change is uncomfortable and that we have to accept a certain level of discomfort in order to expand in any way? Absolutely.
I’m not seeking to avoid discomfort – or at least, no more than anyone else is – but being told to step outside my comfort zone doesn’t sit well with me.
It’s one thing to accept that discomfort is part of the process of change, it’s another entirely to be told to deliberately plunge yourself into it.
For me, that means that I am not only going to be uncomfortable but I am also going to dread it.
And I am going to dread the fact that I am going to dread it.
This is not a recipe for success.
Meanwhile, if I tell myself that in order to change something I will need to expand my comfort zone, I don’t feel any dread. In fact, I tend to feel invigorated by the challenge.
In most cases, I will be following the same process of change, I’ll just be labelling it differently.
‘Step outside your comfort zone’ makes me resist.
‘Expand your comfort zone’ intrigues me. It feels inviting.
Obviously, whenever possible, I am going to use the second phrasing and avoid all of the static associated with the first.
Sure, it’s a small thing but since it makes a difference to me, I’m going to make good use of it.
So, Team, I’m wondering if you have any phrases associated with goal-setting, habits, making change, or with specific tasks involved in those things that irritate you or cause you to resist doing what you want to do?
If so, can you think of a way to rephrase them that feels more inviting – or at least less annoying?
When it comes to making changes in your life, you want to make things as easy as possible.
It only makes sense to have your words working for you instead of against you!
Here’s today’s gold star for your efforts, whatever they may be.
