We’ve all heard of the motivational saying “get out of your comfort zone, it’s where the magic happens“. I’ve even said it to my yoga students back in the day.
And doesn’t it make sense? If we want something to change in our lives, we need to try something new and different. Which, often means, getting uncomfortable.
A few weeks back, my husband and I were on our way to the summit ofAngel’s Landing in Zion National Park. We were over 5,000 ft high when we walked along a very narrow 10 foot long edge. There was nothing on either side of us. No trees, no ledge.
There I was, way outside of my comfort zone. My fear was thick and tangible and I had a hard time noticing my breath. I was trying this hike for the first time. I was pushing past my fear.
And guess what? No magic. None. Not one little bit.
We are all trying to stay motivated, create great things in our lives, and take our health, finances and businesses to the next level.
Yet, getting out of our comfort zone has been misinterpreted to mean set aside our fears, work tirelessly, push and push more, and never give up. For example, these weight loss coaches and fitness experts are telling us to stop being lazy, don’t give up, and don’t be scared.
I’m calling bullshit. I don’t need to tell you how condescending these messages are.
Friends on social media and some of my clients get up at the crack of dawn to work out, have given up or dramatically limited certain food groups from their diets, and have been desperate to find a diet solution that will work. They are truly outside of their comfort zone.
And instead of receiving magic, they get to be exhausted and overwhelmed. And they wonder, how much more uncomfortable do I need to be for good things to happen?
I thanked my lucky stars when Mark and I were both back in our comfort zone. About ⅓ of the hike was enough for us. It was then that I noticed the sign. There have been 10 deaths on Angel’s Landing since 2004. Just this past November, a 19 year old woman had fallen off the trail and died.
The truth is, magic can happen in our comfort zone. We don’t need to believe these taunts that we need to be doing more and smashing our fears for good things to happen.
Amazing things happen when we are confidently connected to ourselves and our bodies. And that, is the best place to be.