The Comfort Zone

Sunday, January 17, 2010

My comfort zone is like one of those big round basket chairs with the plushy cushions. It's warm and cocoon-like and very hard to get out of once you've settled comfortably inside it. Yesterday, following a mini-temper tantrum that involved foot stomping and a very brisk walk with lots of yelling and kicking snow, I have come to realize that my comfort zone is probably my biggest flaw.

Every day, I go to work at the same time, taking the same route to get there, sit at the same desk, eat lunch, go home, eat dinner and go for a run...same same samesies. I talk to the same people. I make absolutely zero effort to interact with anyone outside of my coworkers, husband and friends.

I've had the same hair colour pretty much since I was born, minus the blonde years, which don't really count because they were stupid. I work hard and I'm busy but it's not like I'm clamoring to lead a pitch presentation or set aside one-on-one time with my bosses to seek feedback or guidance--I just kind of go with the flow. I listen to the same music. I don't write a novel draft because I tell myself I'll never finish it. I haven't played my piano in months because the next chapter in my music book looks hard and I know I'll be bad at it for a long time. I don't want to do anything that makes me the tiniest smidgen uncomfortable, or that I don't know if I'll excel at right away.

And that's a ridiculous way to live, so I'm going to make a point to set a different goal every week that pushes me to do something a little differently, a little extra. It can be as simple as trying a new hairstyle or as drastic as jumping out of a plane. And I'll be sharing those experiences here, good and bad.

The idea is to not fall into a too-comfy rut. The snow-kicking tantrum? Not cute. Let's try to avoid those going foward, shall we?

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7 comments

  1. Gah, I'm the same way. I posted about this recently; this idea that I need to expand my horizons. But like you, I don't want to do anything that I might not be good at. Still, I'm trying. I'll be interested to read about your experiences, too---maybe I'll be inspired to try some of your stuff, too :)

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  2. good for you amy!

    i have to say, having been outside of my comfort zone a little too often for my own liking that it's an experience you need to do to grow and change. what i've managed to accomplish when i'm not sticking to what's easy is *always* what I'm most proud of.

    having worked with you a bit, i can say that you've got what you need to really push yourself, you just need to want to do it.

    go for it, you won't regret it.

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  3. Mmmm the routine. Matt and I had a big talk about our routine. We were having a nice dinner, drinking a glass of wine, watching tv, going to bed, repeat. One of our new year's resolutions was to have 1 tv-and-internet-free evening a week (he put in the internet part... probably a good idea) and play a game or something. I can honestly say that in the last two weeks I've already noticed a difference.

    I don't think it's about making huuuuuge changes... comfy is ok (or it better be, says the girl snuggled in a snuggie) as long as you're taking time to jump into something new (even if it's something small!) every once and a while...

    and there's my life coach rant of the day? might have been talking to myself as well... it's just so easy to get into a comfy routine and not worry and be scared! but sometimes the scary things lead to things that are the most fun...

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  4. Awesome post!!
    Im the same way and while im trying to change, it is hard. (not to discourage you).

    Good luck and thank you.
    I think seeing someone one else do it, will encourage me some more. :)

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  5. Love this. Hopefully I will be inspired to do the same... sigh.

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  6. Amy--We can egg each other on!

    Jeff--Thanks! You're an inspiration :)

    Sarah--At least your routine involves wine. That's a start :)

    Red--Change is definitely hard. Good luck!

    LiLu--I'm starting small but something definitely has to change...I haaate things being stagnant!

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  7. Breaking a habit can be a really good thing. I know this problem all too well.

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