Is Everything We Desire Outside the Comfort Zone?
Great question, Saq! Thanks for taking the time to air it.
Life is all about the stretch that accompanies growth. The bigger the challenge, the more inherent potential for us to both endure that stretch and enjoy the growth that follows. Stretching means venturing outside our comfort zone. Keep in mind that the idea is to stretch, not snap!
For a moment, consider resistance training as an example. I use my own body weight, around 200 pounds, to work out. One of the exercises I enjoy the most is called an inclined press-up. Controlling the rate of my descent and pausing for long moments before slowly rising forces my muscles to extend beyond their comfort zone. Muscles don’t like to be put under pressure, their natural response is to grow so they can cope with the load much easier.
The same principle applies in any other field—whether mental, emotional, or spiritual. If we want to grow, we must commit wholeheartedly to the stretch. Is everything we desire outside the comfort zone? No, there are some things now in our possession that used to be outside the comfort zone but are no longer there.
We’ve paid the required price to reach them, and we can now enjoy them without that stretch that once preceded them. They’ve become comfortable.
Breaking Down the Resistance
Let’s stick with resistance training as an example, but this time let’s focus on free weights. I remember the first time I could comfortably bench press 100kgs in ten consecutive reps. It was a goal I’d longed for and one I had to stretch and work toward piece meal at a time. Once I achieved it, it became a milestone I enjoyed for a time before lifting the weight requirement, which of course involved more stretching.
We stretch and obtain, consolidate the ground we’ve taken, and enjoy the spoils before shifting the tent peg and committing to stretch some more.
How Much Stretching Is Needed?
How much do we need to stretch? Well, that all depends on how much you want to grow in life. Your life, your choice.
Embracing the Stretch
Life is about the stretch, about enduring challenges, and basking in the growth that follows. Are there things you’ve always wanted but thought were outside your comfort zone? It’s important to recognize that growth comes from stepping outside our comfort zones, whether it’s in the gym, in the workplace, or in personal development.
The key is to embrace the stretch, understand that it’s necessary for growth, and commit to it. When we commit to growth, we’re committing to a better life, one where we can achieve our dreams and desires.
Conclusion
All the best to you, as you continue to stretch and grow. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and every goal is within reach if you’re willing to commit to the stretch.