Food for thought

For a change of pace, I am going to give you food for your belly thought

Comfort zones- we’re all prone to falling back on them.  As humans, we find great comfort in engaging in behaviors which feel natural and familiar.  Over time this can create a sense of complacency and boredom which ultimately hinders self growth.  Comfort zones can shape up in numerous ways:

• Staying in a job which is no more fulfilling or mentally stimulating
• Eating the same foods repeatedly because you know it tastes good or because it won’t ‘make you fat’
• Refusing to end a relationship because of the fear that you won’t find someone else
• Exercising at the same pace/intensity as last month, and the month before that

Although our habits and behaviors remain same, other changes are taking place.  Our desires, dreams, goals, passions and so forth are constantly evolving.  That’s not to say that comfort zones are a bad thing, they’re neither good nor bad: they simply exist and it’s up to us to decide whether we want to do something about them.   Personally, I’m not a risk-taker at all. I like stability, I like knowing what to expect.  If anything, it’s mentally assuring. But sometimes I wonder whether that’s just boring.  Maybe not knowing is where the fun lies.

It might be common sense, but here’s something which I constantly need to remind myself:

“Insanity- doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”

Whether it’s from a personal, professional, or social standpoint, growth can only occur if we continually challenge ourselves and try something new. Doing so may not always be successful but at least there won’t be any lingering ‘what ifs’.  So this week I challenge you to try something new and different.  Let’s rid ourselves from the fear of the unknown and push our boundaries a little.  The options are endless but in case you need a push in that direction, here you go:

• Try a new food: look through a cookbook, go online and find an recipe to try, scan your grocery aisles
• Take the plunge and quit the job you hate
• Strike up a conversation with a stranger
• Wear bright colors
• Order a new dish at a restaurant rather than your regular
• Exercise: if you don’t currently, DO and if you do, crank it up a notch. 
• Book/take an impromptu trip
• Say no

Whatever you do decide, give yourself a pat on the back! 

“You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” Brian Tracey

Do you tend to hold back because you’re worried about the outcome?

or

Do you push yourself out of your comfort zone?

I would love to hear your experiences…