Today’s post is brought to you by “Words Of Awesomesauce”, an old project I started where I wanted to create positive affirmations that would inspire others! While it was a “Google+” project, many moons ago, I love that parts of my old work (what little I currently have) live on with RJ’s World Lens. My podcast recently discussed the “comfort zone” — A “place”, in a manner of speaking, where one feels safe or at ease and without stress. On the surface, the comfort zone sounds good, and it isn’t inherently bad…after all, being comfortable with where you are in life and little to no stress? Sounds like a sweet deal! The downside though is, millions of people on this planet are living lives that aren’t actually comfortable for them, but the alternative, “changing to something else”, is super scary.
Essentially, while the aforementioned millions probably would love to have more or do more than they currently do, they are stopped in their tracks due to “paralysis by analysis” — the inability to make decisions due to overthinking or over-analyzing a situation or thing, leading to inaction or delayed decision-making. I’m sure many have found themselves in this particular situation: You do okay at your job, and finally someone approaches you and asks if you are interested in a promotion. Even though it could boost your livelihood, you have gotten so comfortable in your role that you can’t really decide if you want to step up. In another example, someone has seen your resume online and they are willing to offer you 10,000 dollars more than what you are currently making, annually, to start. While you don’t love ALL your co-workers, you have gotten comfortable with things and know how to deal with those you don’t like, while enjoying those you do. The thought of being uprooted causes paralysis by analysis.
Paralysis By Analysis Impacts More Than Just Your Professional Life…
Outside of professional opportunities knocking at your door, the comfort zone relates to many other areas of your life. There are a lot of single people out there, for example, who enjoy all that they can do alone, and enjoy not having someone they would potentially argue with, so on and so forth…but then, some of the same people definitely would like someone they can be with, in a relationship. In other words, one of life’s greatest conflicts! Even if someone who really likes you comes along, and you even like them back, it’s easy to ponder all the things that could go wrong, what if there is “drama”? Well, having discussions and communicating boundaries and the like is pretty much unavoidable in relationships, romantic or not. Even knowing that, making the leap is hard! Even something like food is considered, when we think of the comfort zone. Sushi, for example, is a popular food that people tend to have very strong opinions on. Some will have to expand their comfort zone before they consider trying sushi.
If you are handed the “key” that allows you to start up your car and drive towards change, sometimes, you need to take the trip. Personally, I find that it is easier to embark on “change quests” as I get older and older. For some, I’m sure that it is the opposite. Some already know that they have no desire to change their ways, regardless of whether some of their ways are detrimental or not, and they have made their peace with things. Not all change is absolutely necessary, but know that change will happen, whether you accept an opportunity or not. If you are stuck, right now, and don’t really know what you want, then I strongly suggest that if someone gives you a ticket to board the Change Express, take it and see where things lead. I personally feel that while change is scary, having regrets and still being stuck is worse! I’d give it at least a little thought…you can listen to some ways I personally navigate life, as well as some discussion on the comfort zone, in my podcast episode below!