Recreational – Expand Your Comfort Zone
A Garfield cartoon features the lazy cat relaxing on his back, thinking “Jon says I should ‘seize the day!’ There’s only one problem…I can’t reach it from here.”
Achieving any goal requires some effort and stretch. If you have a recreational goal of going for a walk every evening, you won’t get there sitting on the couch in front of the television.
Download free printable pdf of the Comfort Zone
| THE COMFORT ZONE IS… | THE COMFORT ZONE IS NOT… |
| Safe | Risk |
| Easy | Challenging |
| Predictable | Uncertain |
| Secure | Opportunity |
| Familiar | New |
| Restful | Exciting |
| Passive | Active |
| Confined | Free |
| Small | Large |
| Retreat | Advancement |
| Restricted | Growth |
| Fear | Courage |
Overcoming Fear With Courage
Fear of the unknown often prevents us from venturing forth from our comfort zone. Fear is a reaction to perceived risk or threat. There may be no real threat, and the reactions may continue long after the threat is gone. Conquer your fears.
Questions: What are you afraid of? Why? What can you do about it?
Evaluate Risk
- What is the risk?
- How large is it?
- What is the probability it will occur?
- What are the benefits of taking the risk and succeeding?
Exercise
- Think of times you were courageous and took a risk. Think of areas you desire more courage in your life.
Helpful things to remember:
- Benefits of this change
- Expansion leads to growth
- Strengths that you can use
- Target why with key values
See also: Change Your Mindset and The Wimpy Person’s Guide to Grit
TED talks and Books: Trevor Ragan TED talk “How to overcome fear” (also watch How to overcome fear, stress, and discomfort) TED talk “Why comfort will destroy your life” by Bill Ekstrom, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers, “Fear and Other Uninvited Guests” by Harriet Lerner, “Fight Your Fear and Win” by Don Greene
Are you ready to Conquer Your Fears and Get Stuff Done?!
This is one of the weekly activities for a Year of Personal Development.
I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.
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