You attend a panel discussion about change at Samovar Tea Lounge. An athlete, an author and an entrepreneur discuss what it takes to change our lives.
With a sparkling view of the nighttime San Francisco skyline, you sip ginger tea, nodding when the panelists remark on something you know to be true. You are a change agent, after all, and you thrive on discussions of what it takes to grow and thrive.
But one topic strikes you more than others, and when one of the panelists brings it up, you pay more attention: Discomfort is a necessary and good part of the creative process.
You know this. Intellectually, you embrace change. But then you get the call to leave your comfort zone. At first, you retract against the hassles of change.
You wrestle with the complex details of the moving into the unknown. Your comfort zone feels pretty good as you enter the hibernation season.
The picture of your new life blooms in your mind, accompanied by the ballast of reality. You know the dream life has as many scuffs and dents as the lived life.
If you answer the call with a yes, you agree to enter a time of intense discomfort and decision making. If you answer no, you stay comfortable, but you’ll live with the question ‘what if’.
You consult your values. Hmmm…, ‘comfort’ is nowhere on the list. Beauty, good food, health, yes, but comfort? No.
You take a deep breath, and leading into your value of adventure, you say yes.
When you get the call to leave your comfort zone – whether it’s a new book idea, a business idea, or a personal move like divorce or moving – what helps you decide to risk the discomfort?
Hi Cynthia…
“what helps you decide to risk the discomfort?
Share what helps you navigate the discomfort zone”
When I read a blog like yours that speaks directly to what I am feeling-I know i am on my right path for right now- that is what helps me decide to risk the discomfort.
Yes it would be easier to stop pushing-to settle back into my comfort zone- but if I just endure, the what if’s will unfold and I will be richer for it.
Thank you for continuing to inspire.
Dianna,
Thank you for sharing! I love, love, love how the synchronicities of what we consume and pay attention to help guide us. I am honored to be one of the sources of that synchronicity for you.
Those kind of juju moments keep me going, too.
Thank you for letting me know that my work touches and inspires you. That means a lot to me.
I love the Zone of Discomfort! I’m constantly seeking it out – maybe a bit too much. But I have to ask if I get uncomfortable in the same manner every time. That perhaps I’m comfortable accessing discomfort the same way each time (starting a new class, sending an extra email, etc.).
Maybe there are multiple Zones of Discomfort.
Blowing my mind.
Alyson,
You and I are alike in this way – we thrive on challenging and growing ourselves.
What you’re saying here is that you are a bit too comfortable in your discomfort zones. I’d agree – if you relish it and welcome it and recognize it so much, is it really a discomfort to you?
You, and everyone, gets to decide what’s the right amount of comfort for you. No judgment on my part about your comfort zone.
For me, it seems that even though the terrain may seem familiar – a new class, an extra email, a major move – I feel different every time. I FEEL the call to bring more of myself to the work at hand. That sense is the real gauge of my discomfort. It’s squirmy, almost.
I’ve come to know that feeling is a harbinger of huge growth. That doesn’t necessarily make it any easier. But it does give meaning to my discomfort zones.
Hi Cynthia!
Once again, your newsletter resonated with me. This post comes in serendipitous timing as I’m facing that same discomfort on a number of levels. I waffle back and forth between embracing and rebelling against such discomfort, but I’m so driven to grow and explore and change that I know I’ll take it head on, even if I have to have a meltdown or two before doing so. Thanks for continually sharing your wisdom and encouragement!
Journeying with you,
Heather
Heather,
Yes! That waffling – I know that well. One moment it’s YES! and the next it’s FARK! What am I doing?
Like you, I’m committed to the bigger picture. That doesn’t mean we won’t waffle in the every day. Meltdowns? Indeed. (I like to call them melt-throughs!)
It does help to know that others are rowing toward their own growth, paddling through the discomfort. Thank you for letting me know, and I am glad that my work inspires and encourages you.
We’re in this together. 🙂