All of people talk about getting out of our comfort zone. But this seems to be a passive approach that forces us to do something we do not like. What if instead we framed the choice to get into our discomfort zone?
When I work with clients I look for how they can find a place to create traction. Sometimes there are patterns that are so monotonous they are hard to see, sometimes they have thought a certain dehabilitating thought for so long its on a shitty replay loop.
I specifically work with amazing people that are pushing the boundaries of what society calls “normal” in life. So when we tap into recognizing these patterns a great place to create a shift is to get into our discomfort zone.
This can be as simple as taking a cold shower in the morning as soon as you wake up. It can be as intense driving to your nearest national park and hiking the whole day. It can also be as simple as sitting outside for 30 minutes and listening to the birds.
It is not so much as what we do, it is how we do it and that we are creating a new pattern. Our brains love to conserve energy, and that was great when saber tooth tigers were chasing us. But now in order to reach the next level of health and performance we need to break that cycle of sitting in comfort and finding the discomfort that we can step into.
Last night I went to a very active breathwork seminar by my amazing friend Trish Brewer. I knew I was in for some shit when she said, “Did everyone bring a pillow to scream into? And if you need to stomp your feet I will tell you when.” I thought holy shit, how am I gonna stomp my feet laying down, and why would i need to? It was an activity that was stepping into my discomfort zone. And I am so glad I did, I was able to see places I am still holding myself back and how I can move forward to have a larger impact on my community.
Finding our next level of health and performance is really a few key choices away. I have joined an amazing community of game changers and have surrounded myself with edge pushers so I have the reinforcements to look over my shoulder for me. This helps me to step more into discomfort and be me more than ever. And when I do that my family flourishes, my clients flourish and my community flourishes.
Find your people that actually make you a better you, not a shitty version of what they want to drag you down to.
