Friday, March 4, 2011

comfort zones ...

Comfortable is good. And comfortable is nice. Shoes should be comfortable. And so should pants, your sofa and your pillow. But if you live your life in a bubble of comfort, you'll become stagnant.

I was once told that, "if it's not uncomfortable then you're not making a change." That statement couldn't be more true. Take for example, the long run. When you first start running, a mile might seem like an eternity, but over time you add distance, pushing past the point of comfort (what you know) and before you know it three miles is short and six miles is "kind of a good workout." Your mind and body have adapted to the stresses placed upon them and you have evolved. You are changed. Stronger. Better.

Change is never made by standing still and staying in your comfort zone. And making a change is never easy. If it were, we would all be successful in every aspect of life. I truly believe that ANYONE can make ANYTHING happen with enough hard work and determination. But, I also believe that EVERYONE is stopped by self-imposed limits. We all have our "thing" that we just can't do. Or won't do. Or don't want to do. (For me, it's cutting out sweets, it's a nice thought, but I don't want it enough to put in the effort.)

At the end of the day, the only thing that stops us is ourselves. Don't let yourself get in the way of your successes. Push your limits, until they fall ...
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33 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Love this post!!! For me it's putting in long runs. I just don't feel like it most of the time

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  2. KatieMarch 4, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    amen. thanks for this post.

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  3. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    For someone who left about every single comfort zone in their life, I can really appreciate this post. Truer words have never been spoken...

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  4. Running RicigMarch 4, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I definitely remember when one mile was a struggle and now I'm kicking myself if I don't get in seven most days...20 was definitely a push out of my comfort zone!

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  5. MarleneMarch 4, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    I'm going to pretend that this post was a pep talk just for me, for my HM on Sunday. THANKS! :)

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  6. Monica @ a bold paceMarch 4, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    I love this post. I have a magnet on my refrigerator that I put there for my teenage children but It's there for me too..."Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"--Neale Donald Walsch.

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  7. Rene'March 4, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    This is my new mantra.

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  8. Cat B.March 4, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    So very, very true. I've learned (through running) that I'm capable of anything if I'm willing to put in the work and a little discomfort. The results are always worth and it and will push you a little bit further.

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  9. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I am ALWAYS in my own way.. ALWAYS :(

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  10. amyMarch 4, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    This is so, so true. I'm often the only thing that stands in my way and have to remember that fatigue is a choice. Thanks for the post!

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  11. LisaMarch 4, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Great post - I needed a little motivational kick in the pants today!

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  12. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    So true. great post

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  13. KitzzyMarch 4, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Wow, it's like you were talking right at me. I've held myself back for so long, but I'm finally starting to believe in myself and let go of those mental barriers and the results are amazing!

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  14. Relentless Forward CommotionMarch 4, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    I'll be thinking of this post tomorrow morning! Thanks pal!

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  15. EmilyMarch 4, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    so true! i had these exact same thoughts when I was at the gym lifting last night "hey emily, this isn't actually hard anymore...let's up the ante." and I will.

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  16. RunToTheFinishMarch 4, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    amen! this is exactly why i decided not to train for any races for a while, but to force myself out of my running comfort to other areas

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  17. Shellyrm ~ just a country runnerMarch 4, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Amen!

    I am my only road block. At times it just takes me longer to find a way around but I don't give up.

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  18. LaurieMarch 4, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Great post. I'm with you on the sweets too. :)

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  19. giraffyMarch 4, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Good timing. I was just considering how I dislike speedwork so much. I need to suck less :D

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  20. fancy nancyMarch 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    YES!!! This has been running through my head lately...needing to push myself. There is nothing to fear...only gain!

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  21. Jennifer NewmanMarch 4, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    but it's scary

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  22. Kurt @ Becoming An IronmanMarch 4, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Great post!

    Change is the only thing that keeps me training. If I was told I had to stop changing and just repeat distances or sets, I'd get bored out of my mind. It's a thrill testing your body against it's limits!

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  23. KerrieMarch 4, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Aweome post! Thanks for the reminder.

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  24. HannahMarch 4, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    You are brilliant and awesome. True story.

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  25. MichelleMarch 4, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    I'll be thinking of this post as I start training next week for my first half marathon!

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  26. JenMarch 4, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Great post!!! I remember when my long run pace was 10:30... and now, if I run with TriGuru... our average is 8:30... I NEVER thought I could get that fast... and I would love to push it on Milles. Not sure the treadmill will ever be my thing, but with that attitude if sure wont be.

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  27. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    I just started reading Ultra Marathon Man and I like the coach who said "If it felt good, you didn't push hard enough. It's supposed to hurt like hell." I've always taken the easy route because it would start to hurt or I'd think my asthma was acting up, but I've realized that mentally I'm holding myself back. I need to push through these things. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

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  28. UnknownMarch 5, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Arrgh. You're always getting me to think about things I don't want to! Speed work is definitely out of my comfort zone. I hate it and avoid it like the plague. No more, no more.

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  29. AnonymousMarch 5, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    great post :) thanks for the inspiration! xo love your blog!

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  30. gba_gf March 5, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    I loved the first time we came to the conclusion that "5... it's the new 3...", but I love even more that "6... it's the new 5". I cannot wait to be out pushing my limits again, out of my comfort zone, with my posse & "wife".

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  31. 5 Miles Past EmptyMarch 6, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Amen sister! As a therapist I am now going to be sending clients home with a link to this post... =) This is applicable to every aspect of one's life. Hit the nail on the head!

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  32. JillMarch 6, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Please don't mess with my comfort! I like it.

    This is very true! You never realize how grafeful you will be with pushing past that comfort zone until you do it and see how great you can do. Love it.

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  33. UnknownMarch 14, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    I know I'm late, but I so LOVE this! You should be a motivational speaker.

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

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