I’m tired of hearing the phrase: Get out of your comfort zone. Why is this essential for success?
My comfort zone is a nice place. It’s where I put my TV, my computer, and my headphones. My comfort zone is also a very guarded place and I’m aware of all its nooks and crannies. Honestly, I want to stay in my comfort zone because that’s where I feel most successful.
They tell me, “In order to get anywhere in life, you have to get out of your comfort zone first.” But I don’t think that’s true. Why can’t I have a place where I feel comfortable and able to find success in life as well? And by success, I don’t mean a load of cash pouring out of every window, nor do I mean fancy cars lining my driveway. Because success to me means being happy, and I’m happy in my comfort zone.
So, Am I Successful According to Society?
I think it depends on how you define success. The basic idea of success in traditional human culture revolves around money. You might say that money rules the world. There are many people who will do almost anything for money. Then there is fame, and there is status – these things are also desired by success hunters. But, again, what is the true definition of success?
Success (noun): Achieving a goal or purpose.
Now, look at that. Let this definition sink into your mind for a moment. Where do you see the words “making money”, or is there a single mention of “fame”? The pure meaning of success is about achievement, and that can be achieved in any form or manner depending on what you desire most.
So, should you step out of your comfort zone or should you stay where you feel fulfilled by your surroundings?
I think you know the answer to this question, but if not, let’s look at some points.
I read motivational articles sometimes, not to “transform” my life, but to enhance the life I already have. I read a lot of things, including annoying training posts that talk about getting out of my comfort zone. I do this because I want to see their perspective and meet their perspective with mine. Here are some examples:
“Real life is out there”
I hate this so much that I felt uncomfortable reading it. I get what they’re saying, I really do, but why is my comfortable, quiet life considered less than the life I should be extroverted in?
I’m a hybrid or an introvert or something, and I love who I am, to be honest. I find my life as real as the forced interaction with other humans. I write, I feel good, and I never step out of my comfort zone. I’m so comfortable that it might make you jealous.
“Don’t settle for average”
I live in a rural area, crime-free, and I can open the window to hear the birds chirping. I’m very comfortable here, doing what I love. You get it? I do what I love! I’m far from content with mediocrity, I strive for success in my writing career. If I step out of my comfort zone, I’ll try to do something that doesn’t really interest me anyway. When I apply for writing jobs, I feel completely at ease about the whole situation. I may have stepped out of my comfort zone a little years ago, but now, I’m completely content with my life. It’s not stable, it’s thriving.
As for you, do what makes you happy, not what others consider normal and less than the best. They won’t notice the difference.
“You have to embrace change”
Whether or not I am good at change has nothing to do with leaving my comfort zone. If things change, it is better to deal with it in a comfortable way than to have to live with the new situation in a state of extreme stress. If change is coming, it cannot be stopped by discomfort, and if change is going to happen, it will happen no matter what I do. Leaving your comfort zone to embrace change means adding stress where there is already stress due to change. What does this mean?
Change can be a bit complicated, so let me give you an example:
There are two opposing choices to be made, and I am sitting on the fence. I have been told to step out of my comfort zone in order to embrace change. Sitting on the fence was clearly my comfort zone, and in order to embrace change, I had to jump in one direction or the other.
In my experience, change will come whether I step out of the fence or not, and whether I know what to do or not. Sometimes, believe it or not, decisions have to be made without my input. Sometimes it’s okay to not know what to do. Sometimes, “Ugh” and God forbid, things just fall into place.
You can call me irresponsible or lazy or whatever, but the facts remain the same – stepping outside your comfort zone is not always the best option. Sometimes, embracing your happiness and peace of mind is the only way to be true to yourself, the only way to succeed and the only way to be fulfilled.
CloseItNow.
Do you want me to leave my comfort zone? What’s your reason and argument? My experience with sales versus networking has shown me that there is more stability and success in working behind the scenes, building your portfolio and promoting your business. If you want to sell shoe polish and vitamins, do it. I’ll just wait until networking brings me another client.