Embracing Discomfort

“It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s that place in between that we fear. It’s like being between two trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.”  ~Marilyn Ferguson

SOME OF US live in perpetual insecurity. It’s a terrible place to be, between the extremely comfortable and the entirely unknown.  All change is uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s frightening. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be change. Would that we could hold onto that blanket of traditional (comfortable) ways forever! But we know that change begins awkwardly, even foolishly. Yet it become natural and routine, given time and practice to fit in… or more accurately, we mold ourselves into the change. Blankets work for only so long in giving us a false sense of wellbeing. Sooner or later, we must discard them and walk around naked and vulnerable to personal growth and progress.

REAL ESTATE COMFORT ZONES?  There are many. You see examples of this at awards dinners where people frantically save seats and tables, nearly knocking over anyone passing by. We’ve been taught not to talk to strangers; probably a good thing when you’re young and alone but stifling when it comes to networking with others. We see this when it comes to cold-calling or speaking up at a Monday morning Huddle… comfort zones of shyness, fear, insecurity. Like Linus’ blanket, however, these too must be discarded if we are to truly succeed. To do better, you must hate the current situation, howsoever warm and safe it may seem to be. Growing requires aches and pains, then a smile!

~ By Marty Rueter