Moving Past Your Comfort Zone

We all gravitate toward what we feel most comfortable doing. We avoid going to certain places or doing certain things, because we're afraid of failing or of looking foolish or any number of other (often unfounded) fears. So instead of taking on a new challenge, we stick with the tried and true. It's called staying in your comfort zone and it is one of the biggest roadblocks to leading a truly fulfilling life.

If you've read this far, you're probably among the majority of people who regret not having taken certain chances in their lives. Maybe it's something from back in High School --like not trying to talk to someone you felt attracted to. Or maybe it was not asking for that promotion at work a few months ago. The point is - each of us likes to hover in our own comfortable little space, often at the cost of missing out on being truly happy. And, let me tell you, there's nothing worse then letting your life slip by because you don't feel comfortable taking chances once in a while.

So what can you do? ---Start with baby steps...

You'll be surprised what a small amount of effort can do for your self confidence. About 6 months past my 40th birthday, I (for the first time in my life) joined a Gym. That was a big step for me, as being a sedate, "computer guy" caused me to really pack on the pounds. I was self-conscious about not only my weight but also my age (I was expecting to see only very thin 20 something's working out). Anyway, as soon as I made the commitment to hit the gym, I started feeling better about myself. It was the simple fact that I had moved past my comfort zone and made a decision to do something different. That small step was the catalyst that got me out of the slump of sitting in front of my computer all day.

Today, I'm at the gym pretty much 6 days a week. I've move past just walking the treadmill, now I do weight training plus I'm taking Yoga and Kickboxing classes. And guess what, those very thin 20 something's aren't really that intimidating after all.

My point is, once you make even a small change it gives your confidence a boost and you start looking for the next challenge. And make no mistake, when you finally break out of your comfort zone, the whole world looks different!

David Olsen is the founder of 40Something Fitness A website dedicated to overcoming middle age. Check it out when you're starting to feel old...

SoccerNation.com

Danny Jackson on Motivation Matters: Getting the Real Win SoccerNation.com With the media portraying such glitz and glamor, it's easy to see why people can be motivated by the possibility of money and fame. So let's step back and emphasize the basics. In premier soccer, there is an intense focus on winning, which is important ... and more »

Motivated: Brignac snub among issues getting UL focused in 2012 The Daily Advertiser (Photo by Brad Kemp/ bkemp@theadvertiser.com) / Brad Kemp/ bkemp@theadvertiser.c A little extra motivation is never a bad thing for a coach to have in the bullpen. So if some issues arise that help to give players — especially the top performers — a ... and more »

Chattanooga Times Free Press

UGA quarterback signee Faton Bauta motivated Chattanooga Times Free Press His parents came to the United States from Albania when they were teenagers, so there is that motivation, too. "I don't really know too many Albanian quarterbacks," he said. "Hopefully I'll be the first one." and more »

Past, future motivate Spartan wrestling Fox11online.com Berceau's top-ranked team, according to WIWrestling.com, has plenty of motivation to go around. They can look at the walls, with plaques of former team champions and the names of individual champions painted on walls. They can also look across their ... and more »

Ricciardo more motivated for 2012 Yahoo! Eurosport UK Daniel Ricciardo says that starting the season with Toro Rosso - and therefore having a car he can fully call his own - has boosted his motivation for his forthcoming Formula 1 campaign. The Australian, 22, had previously tested for the team on grand ... and more »

Motivated Zags Face Tough Saint Mary's Team on Thursday Sports and Weather Right Now As if they needed any more motivation to play Saint Mary's this week in Spokane. The Zags welcome the No. 16 Gales to town on Thursday. Saint Mary's is currently on a 12-game win streak, and they have only lost two games all season long. and more »

Motivation camp on bird water held E-Pao.net "We've spotted these birds in Loktak and Ungamen wetland areas since last year", says Dr Kh Shamungou,noted environmentalist while sharing his experience on water bird census during a day-long motivation camp on water bird census 2012 here at Toubul ... Bird census to begin from Feb 11KanglaOnline all 3 news articles »

'Biggest Loser' Dolvett Quince's Best Advice For Staying Motivated Through The ... Huffington Post With all the layers of winter gear we're wearing and swimsuit season some four months away, it's hard to stay motivated to hit the gym this time of year. (Unless, of course you're one of the Serena Williams of the world.) But if anyone can drum up some ... and more »

Click Liverpool

Liverpool FC's Luis Suarez motivated by Manchester United abuse Click Liverpool But Suarez insists that the taunts, which have been prominently aired at several United games since the ruling, will only serve as further motivation for him during this weekend's clash. "I know against United it is going to be tense because I'm going ... Manchester United v Liverpool: Luis Suárez says any abuse regarding Patrice ...Telegraph.co.uk Suarez prepared for United fans' wrathFox News Suarez - Abuse will spur me onSkySports all 280 news articles »

Find motivation to exercise by setting reachable goals ScrippsNews By LAVINIA RODRIGUEZ, Tampa Bay Times Motivation is something that people find to be mysterious and out of reach. That's especially true when it comes to exercising consistently instead of in the start-and-stop fashion that many people find frustrating ...