Jun 1

High Cost of Staying Comfortable

From a young age, you were taught it’s important to be comfortable. Someone was always there to make you comfortable by providing the necessities of food, shelter and warmth when you were a baby. It makes sense as you grew up that you associated comfort with these necessities. But now you’re an adult and you say you want more (or something different) in your life; yet when you have to make a decision between taking bold action toward your goals or staying comfortable, it’s easier to choose to stay comfortable…and stuck in a rut.

Quick quiz! On a scale of 0 – 10 where would you rate your life in this moment? (0 – completely unsatisfying, and 10 – you are living the life of your dreams.)

People who score between 0-3 tend to be dissatisfied at a high level and as a result are willing to take massive action. People who score their life between 8-10 are creating such momentum they continue to take action. Most people, however, score their lives between 4-7, which is a comfortable range. The people in this area dabble with change. They take small actions so they can claim, “I tried everything but nothing works.” This group will also tend to blame people and circumstances for their lack of action and yet the truth is they are comfortable.

Because of your experience as a baby you don’t associate comfort with a negative impact; however, the reality is you sacrifice your future every moment you choose comfort over purposeful action toward your goals!

What are the costs of staying comfortable?

Until you consider the costs you won’t change. Pick an area of your life where you know you need to change but don’t. Close your eyes and imagine your life next year if you stay on your current path:

• How does it impact your confidence?
• How does it affect your finances?
• What are the negative consequences to your family?
• What are you doing to your health?
• How do you feel knowing each day you choose to dabble instead of commit?
• What example are you setting for those in your life when you chose mediocrity over taking action?

Optimists tend to soften the consequences of staying comfortable. As you answer these questions, go to the worst case scenario because you think it can’t happen until it does and then it’s too late. Decide that you are no longer willing to accept comfortable over action. Start with small, measurable, consistent actions and you will discover taking action is a lot more comfortable than the consequences of inaction.
Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.