The BS Files are kinda like the X-files – full of myths and urban legends and mysterious things. I feel that it is my duty to tackle them (occasionally). Because, you know, the truth is out there. This one may not be as popular as some of the others, because it definitely goes against conventional wisdom.

Case #8. You gotta get out of your comfort zone! Bullshit!

It seems to be SUPER popular these days to try to convince people that the only way you’re going to change and grow is if you step completely out of your comfort zone and embrace the discomfort. It’s much loved by the entrepreneur crowd.

It’s just not true.

First, there is no ONE way to do anything because there is no One Size Fits All, remember? There are many ways.

Second, this seems a lot like the very old school method of teaching someone to swim by throwing them in the deep end of the pool.

This myth is so loved by the entrepreneur crowd, that you need to believe it to be in – I’m gonna call ’em the intrepreneur crowd from now on! Maybe that’s because they were very uncomfortable when they first started, and it worked for them, ergo it’s required. That’s a little like the “my parents used to beat me and I came out okay” logic to me. Or the “I need the pressure of a deadline to perform” logic. Or the “I have to be miserable if I’m going to change” logic. Or “no pain no gain.” I think all of that is bullshit, really.

There are other options. One I really like is balance. I like to set my feet nice and firmly in my confidence zone, set my balance and then stretch into something new. I often surprise myself with how much I can stretch if I don’t start with a wobbly foundation.

Or another one is upcycling – taking something from one area, recycling it and transforming to fit into another area.

There’s also leveraging – taking a strength and using it to help build in a weaker or less confident arena (the whole Strengths Finder thing).

There’s dancing – two steps forward, one step back. Salsa or swing or floss or….

Sure, there’s a little discomfort involved in growth, but you don’t have to step completely out of comfort into discomfort. You can choose for yourself. Even if it’s not in style.

Truth: There is no one way to grow.

Truth: Maybe you need to be uncomfortable. Maybe I don’t. We can both be right.

Truth: You don’t HAVE TO DO anything. You get to choose. You are the boss of you.

And remember: in all things – progress, not perfection!

Love and light,

*****

It’s 2019. Time for a change or two. Are you living a life full of microdrama, guilt (shudder) or confusion? That is all 100% optional. If you don’t believe me, let’s talk. Email me (maggie@talktomaggie.com)if you’d like to chat. We can set you up to succeed without struggling! Believing anything else is BS!

*****

Have a topic for the BS files? Let me know and I’ll give it a go!