Break Through The Comfort Zone

Are you surviving or thriving?

Studies show only 2% are really escaping the comfort zone. Last month I wrote an article on escaping the comfort zone in "The Vision" magazine.

Achieve Escape Velocity To Break Through The Comfort Zone

5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Blast O…

Wait! Before you hit the launch button, let’s pause a moment. It’s a New Year. There are likely new projects on the horizon. Have you checked to see if you have enough fuel to reach escape velocity? Will your energy and umph be enough to break through your (doo-do-doo-do-doo-do) comfort zone? (Apologies to the late Rod Serling.)

Escape Velocity is an aeronautic term describing the speed needed to break free from a gravitational field. Rockets must go fast enough and far enough to escape the pull of gravity or they will be trapped in the earth’s orbit. One of space travel’s biggest challenges is achieving escape velocity.

The same is true with people, except for humans, velocity is less about getting into orbit and more about maintaining enough momentum and thrust to resist and break through the forces pulling us back and keeping us trapped in our comfort zone.

What does it take to improve our velocity?

To create thrust, you need fuel, and to maintain thrust, you need to know how much fuel is necessary and what kind of fuel is most effective. Is your tank full? Or are you running on E? What did you fuel up with today? Does your fuel set your soul on fire?

Let’s look again at science to answer these questions. Engineers have practices they follow to continually improve their processes and chase out risks. When we apply their lessons to our own processes, the results lead us to the higher velocity we desire.

Look at your plan. Are you expending your energy on the tasks to move you closer to your goal? What is holding you back? The clearer and more specific your goals are the less time it will take to accomplish them. Achieving escape velocity requires a definitive roadmap to ensure you have the fuel it takes to fly.

The best engineering process is a cycle in which engineers repeat steps as often as necessary to come up with the best solution. Take it in stages. Create a roadmap to focus on smooth transitions leading to greater heights. Use the ABC Plan. Make it Achievable, Believable, and Committed.

Be sure your roadmap identifies strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Achieving escape velocity with a rocket built in a garage requires a plan to first get it OUT of the garage. Identify the roadblocks that could arise and prepare to adapt when you hit one. When an accident threatened Apollo 13, Gene Kranz was said to have focused his team by saying, “Let’s work the problem people.”

Visualize yourself soaring high and achieving escape velocity fast and problem-free. How will you feel? What will you do? How will those around you benefit? Visualizing your successful breakthrough is the best defense to put up when roadblocks arise. Make a habit of visualizing yourself where you want to go. It will help you push through.

The greater the expectations of accomplishing the goal the higher perceived velocity! Create positive expectancy. Take phrases like Can I Get There out of your vocabulary entirely. Replace with phrases like When I Get There. When negative thoughts come a’ knocking say, “You can’t come in.” Negativity can kill velocity, sending you into a comfort zone orbit.

Be sure you commit to the resources needed to fuel your velocity. Find mentors, coaches, and trainers. Read books, find the information you need to help you accomplish your goals.

Keep each step small and attainable, leading you to the next one, with each one you gain more confidence, power, thrust, and velocity. Consistency is key. Losing one day a week can be a 20% hit. A high sprint isn’t helpful if you can’t sustain it.

Create time sensitivity. Keep a movement journal. Jot down what you do to move forward mentally, physically, and spiritually every day. Give yourself a fist pump and a loud WOOHOO!

Are there routines causing you to rev your engine with no forward motion? Often, we live on autopilot, stuck in the comfort zone where the same routines repeat like a snooze button. The next time the alarm rings, shut it off and begin your countdown! It’s time to focus on pushing out of what’s comfortable and embrace new challenges. It’s time to enter the Growth Zone. Ready? Let’s restart the launch! 5. 4. 3. 2. .1. BLAST OFF!