Have you been too complacent in the way your life is today? Do you have goals and ambitions, but pursuing them seems too scary or difficult to comprehend? You may be living in your comfort zone.
Years ago, I bought a book titled
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat
It took me another three years before I began to read the book. Based on the title, I had a fair Idea of what the book was all about, but I wasn’t prepared to give anyone including the author of this book the permission to challenge the secured, comfortable but unfulfilled life I was living.
I had food to eat, a job to go to, and people to love. But there was still something missing. I was settled in my comfort zone and missing opportunities to get out and explore the world and the possibilities out there for me.
Are you living in your comfort zone?
Here are a few signs to look out for that can help you answer the question.
#1. You don’t like your job, but you don’t want to quit
A lot of people don’t like their jobs. But let’s face it, a lot of people are living in their comfort zone. Are you doing a job that has nothing to do with your passion or what you want to be? Are you not looking to change that job and move on to something else?
It’s tempting to stay in your old job because of the sure financial security. Sometimes, taking a risk and trying to move towards making money for your passion may be risky. But there are little steps you can take to test the waters. There is no need to jeopardise the security of your present job. You can start something on the side.
#2. What you’re doing doesn’t make you feel fulfilled
Whether it’s at home or in the workplace, the things you are doing day to day do not give you a sense of fulfilment. There are times when you say to yourself, “how in the world could I have a life that makes me feel fulfilled?” That question completely depends on what gives you a sense of fulfilment.
If it’s helping others, you may want to try and look for volunteer opportunities in your community. If it’s playing music, pick up that old dusty guitar and play a few tunes again. If it’s reading a good book, make space in your schedule to pick out something from your bookshelf.
Moving towards fulfilment doesn’t have to be a big step. But it’s the first step towards getting out of your comfort zone.
#3. You imagine your dreams coming true, but you think it could never happen
Maybe you have some goals and ambitions. Perhaps you sit around day dreaming about landing that perfect career or building that dream house. You think about that goal and you believe that you could never make it happen. You’re probably living in your comfort zone.
Why? You might be saying, “but it is unattainable! There’s nothing in my life right now that could get me there”. Think again. The key to moving towards your goals and ambitions is to look at what’s around you today, look at your resources, and find some way, however small, to take the first step. The first step is always available. As you start walking in the direction of your goals, the path becomes clearer and clearer.
#4. You life feels overly routine
If your day to day life seems like it’s on repeat from the last, you’re probably living a routine. Some people like routine because it makes them feel secure. But look at routine this way: if you’re overly committed to a certain schedule every day, you’re never making room for opportunities that may come your way.
If you say no to that volunteer opportunity or extra job that you might just like because it would break your routine, you may be saying no to important chances to move your life in a new and exciting direction. Evaluate your routine and find areas in which you could change it.
#5. You’re afraid of success
Perhaps you’ve seen the possibility for and the opportunity for great success open up to you, but because you feared you were not prepared for it, you turned it down. Maybe you’re just one step away from something you want more than anything, but you’re still trying to sum up the courage to place that final foot forward. If you’re afraid of success, it could be because you’re secure where you are, away from the uncertainty which comes on the road to success.
What next?
If you’re still living in your comfort zone, don’t worry. There’s always time to get out. You can always take the time to reflect on your life, weigh the possibilities and find a path towards action which inspires you to break from your routines.
As soon as you finish reading this, pull out your journal and write down one goal, one thing you want more than anything. Then write down three steps you can take to reach for that goal. Let this be your first step towards moving away from your comfort zone and towards the next great thing in your life.