IT'S ALWAYS LESS TERRIFYING
TO DO NOTHING,
BUT YOU CAN'T DO THAT
AND HAVE A CAREER.
(Janet Reid)
Or have a life.
As a self-proclaimed chicken who loves her comfort zone, I'm taking this to heart, taking more chances - in my writing and in my world. To some people, my "risks" might seem as easy and ordinary as brushing their teeth. That's okay - everyone's comfort zone and risk tolerance is different. As long as I give it a go, even if I'm shaking in my sandals, I will be proud, I will celebrate myself.
Let's stretch ourselves this week - whatever that looks like for you. Let's reach outside our comfort zones, see what we can grab hold of, see what we can gain.
In other words, you can never move forward by standing still. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know it. :)
DeleteI like my comfort zone as well, but it would get really boring.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that we shouldn't call it a comfort zone but a stagnant zone or a boring zone etc. After all who wants to leave somewhere comfortable?!
DeleteBy nature, I'm a risk taker. So I'm actually pulling back a bit for the rest of 2015 and remaining introspective, choosing my battles more carefully. I want to be more strategic in 2016 about when I take my chances.
ReplyDeleteThat is stretching for you - doing something different, something outside your comfort zone of risk-taking. Good luck with it!
DeleteThat's a great quote. I should take more risks.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely words of wisdom.:)
DeleteI like that quote. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Patricia!
DeleteOr a life... Exactly! Good words for a Monday!
ReplyDeleteFor a Monday and for any day, any time we need a reminder. :)
DeleteI like being in my comfort zone too. I never take risks either. But if I want to be a full-time author, I need to start taking risks, right? Thanks for the encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteRight! Just remember that risks are relative - something that's easy for someone else to do might make you squirm. That's okay - do what you need to do, for you. :)
DeleteBut I like my comfort zone!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great and true quote. Something to strive for.
That's why it's called a comfort zone and not a sharp pitchfork zone. :)
DeleteGood quote. I think the main thing that deters me from my risks is the fear of dragging others down with me. The smaller risks, the ones that affect only me, are easier to take.
ReplyDeleteI can see that. A small risk is still a risk. Go for it! :)
DeleteAnd I'll be proud with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
:)
DeleteGreat quote. I really need to take this to heart. I always have trouble stepping out of my little box, but lately... I've tried and I hope it's enough!
ReplyDeleteAs long as it's enough for you, as long as it feels like a stretch for you, that's what counts. :)
DeleteI love my comfort zone in real life, but think nothing of sending my work out to be judged by all and sundry. I've been doing it for so long, though, it's second nature to me. However, force me into a room with two/three/four people and call it a job interview and I go completely to pot!
ReplyDeleteAh, but for some people sending their work out would be a huge risk, a huge stretch outside their comfort zone. You and I have been at this thing awhile. :)
DeleteGosh, I don't think I ever stop stretching. We've finally gotten to a comfortable place with the kids school routine & house maintenance, (despite the baby), and so what do I do? Jump back into critiquing. Take on more review books. Set new deadlines for publishing. Some days I wish I could just be happy with where I'm at. (Ever feel that way?)
ReplyDeleteYou are Gumby. Or Plastic Man (Woman.) You're good at what you do, Crystal. Just keep being you. :)
DeleteThat is such great advice but also so difficult. I have a plan for moving out of my comfort zone for next year too. Plans.
ReplyDeleteIt's simple but not easy. Good luck with your plans! :)
DeleteOne of the first times I stepped out of my comfort zone in a big way was when I started my blog. I remember being terrified to hit "post" the first time. But it's led to such amazing things I'm trying to keep forcing myself to take risks.
ReplyDeleteStarting your blog ended up as a success. Keep stretching and you'll have lots more successes and wonderful achievements, I'm sure of it. :)
DeleteYou have to put in the work to get to where you want to be.
ReplyDeleteIt's sometimes hard to leave our comfort zones but it's usually always worth it. :)
Keeping our eyes on the prize/prizes can definitely help with the fear.
DeleteI feel like I'm constantly outside my comfort zone right now. It's the only way to get anywhere, but it's hard. Let's do this!
ReplyDeleteGo, Shannon! We can do this!
Delete