We’ve all seen moments like the one depicted in this picture. Whether experienced in person or just by looking at a picture, we smile. Something magical is happening. Human development is taking place.
Our Wellness Wednesday messages consistently focus on growth and development. We can think of our growth and development as experiencing the fullness of life…physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Although numerous factors impact our growth and development, where we hang out — inside or outside our Comfort Zone – significantly influences this part of our lives.
Human development requires two things: security and challenge. Security is provided inside our Comfort Zone (the child being held by his parent) and challenge is provided outside our Comfort Zone (parent lets go). As human beings we need both. One without the other would limit our growth.
Anytime we are outside our Comfort Zone, we may hate how we feel (anxious, uncomfortable), but love how we grow or what we learn. Inside our Comfort Zone, we may love how we feel, but hate that we’re not growing or learning anything new.
Top 20s understand this need for living both inside and outside their Comfort Zone. In desiring to become more than they are, they routinely leave their Comfort Zone. In doing so, they learn how to expand it. What was once uncomfortable outside their Comfort Zone now becomes comfortable.
Bottom 80s believe the best place to be is inside their Comfort Zone. If they stay there exclusively, they never become anything more than they have always been.
The next few Wellness Wednesdays will focus on our Comfort Zone and the challenges we encounter in moving outside of our Comfort Zone. In preparation for those reflections, consider the following:
1. What is something that is now inside your Comfort Zone, but was previously outside your Comfort Zone?
2. What is something outside your Comfort Zone that you would like to experience or achieve?
3. Be mindful of opportunities that arise during the next week to move outside your Comfort Zone. How did you manage these opportunities? What may have kept you in your Comfort Zone?
From our Top 20 team…Kevin Brennan, Willow Sweeney, and Tom Cody…who provide me with a meaningful Comfort Zone and encouragement to leave it.
Paul Bernabei
Director
Top 20 Training
paul@top20training.com
