Do Hard Things: Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

So I'm reading a book by two teenagers and getting kind of inspired. As I mentioned in my last post I'm reading Do Hard Things. The authors say that there are 5 main ways of fulfilling this. The first is "Taking The First Scary Step." It seems that as people we are totally geared to not doing hard things because we are scared. Scared of failing, scared of being uncomfortable, and scared of the effort it will take. The thing is that when we don't risk anything, we don't gain anything. It's like investing, you have to risk your money to make money. You can go through school (or life) without ever risking anything, but you won't really gain anything either. Until you realize how wasteful it is to go through life not gaining anything because you are too afraid, you won't be able to do what is the first (and most difficult) part of Doing Hard Things: you need to step out of your comfort zone. You need to face your fears and step outside what feels safe, secure, and cozy. This is the hardest thing, but is almost always the most profitable.

It makes sense. In fact, for many years I was a big proponent of stepping out of your comfort zone (ask the students and camp staff from back then). I became convinced (through LiMiT training and other stuff) that stepping out of your comfort zone was the only way to grow and so I grabbed onto the idea with gusto. I began to ask it of my students, my staff, and even myself! At the best of times I'd say I even lived it. And I had a lot of people thank me for stretching them. Why? Because they were growing through the experience.

Unfortunately, for the past year or so I think I forgot this important life lesson. I'd say I've been avoiding discomfort as best as I can! My personal discipline has been low - just enough to get by. My risk tolerance has been extremely low. I've turned down several ministry opportunities that seemed scary or uncomfortable. I'd even say that I've been less afraid to step out of my comfort zone with those close to me and with God. It struck me as I read that somehow I had backslidden into exactly what I had strived so hard to avoid - lazy, selfish, and cowardly living. And I don't like it.

So today I decided to step out of my comfort zone once again - I said yes to preaching at my church. I've put them off for over three years but today I felt convicted enough about my lack of comfort-zone stretching that I agreed to it. Am I scared? Absolutely! That's why I'm doing it. Whether it goes poorly or well, I'll be stronger because of it. I encourage you, where do you need to step out of your comfort zone? If your like me, you find that staying all nice and "safe" doesn't make you feel any better (in fact I'd say it makes us eventually feel worse). Wouldn't it be ironic if we spent much of our lifes seeking comfort when it is exactly that comfort which will slowly destroy us? I believe God has so much more for us, but we need to take that first scary step. Do it today!