Comfort Zone
Dear Savvy Woman,
This morning in my boot-camp workout (http://pacwestathletics.com - they rock!) we ran stair after stair (the Lyon Street stairs, for you locals), eight times in total. I’ve never done those stairs that many times, bootcamp or not. And, I’ve never sweated that much at 6am, not as much as I did today.
I found myself grumbling as Richard, our instructor and the co-founder, announced that we’d be doing a second set of four more. This was asking too much, I thought. I was tired going into the morning to start, and my mind started resisting the idea that I would be able to do it all. I wanted to languish in my comfort zone. I didn’t want to push myself this morning to go further than I ever had. Especially running steep stairs - not my strong suit - or so I think.
Turns out, as I’m sure you’re guessing, I did it. Feigning off a cold and feeling grumpy, I still was able to push through it and felt better for it on the other side.
And it reminded me of how I work with clients continually on stepping out of their comfort zones. Not as you might imagine, either. Yes, we do take a look at the obvious, such as how they are experiencing dating and relationship, what they’re doing that’s working and what’s not - and that certainly calls them forth out of a comfort zone.
What tends to be more powerful, especially starting out, and is the gas to get the car to drive further to it’s destination, is looking at some of the little comfort zones that comprise their lives. It’s the time they’re waking up in the morning - just enough time to shower (or not) and hop on email at 9am. Changing her wake up time to an hour earlier, ‘Amy’ now takes time to exercise or give herself ‘me’ time for meditation, reading, and setting the intention for her day - and it’s attracting men like magnets to metal. She feels like she is a new woman on some levels, and that ALWAYS spills over to every other part.
Over the weekend, Larry and I were invited to a pool party in Sonoma. I was chatting with a guy, ‘Joe’, about life in San Francisco. On the topic of dating and relationship, I asked him what he was attracted to in a woman (I’m always SO curious = ), can’t help myself) and he said he didn’t have a type (good answer!). He did, however, proceed to list a lot of interests of his, and that he’d like his lady to be able to hang with those.
I had the sense that what might be holding Joe back from a great relationship is that he might be in a comfort zone, if you will. And this comfort zone is one of the thought that if he meets someone who doesn’t participate in some of the hobbies and interests that he pursues, that they won’t work, he’ll be held back, etc etc.
Comfort zones. They take so many forms. We all have them. We’re human.
So, my savvy friend, what’s one of yours that comes easily to mind? Take a step this week to make a shift - try something out, something new. They’ll be a payoff on the other side!
From my savvy heart to yours,
Leslie
The Savvy Woman’s Love Coach
Tags: dating coach, inspirtation, Leslie Stewart, life coach, love, relationships
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
ok, you’ve inspired me to get out of my morning coffee ‘comfort zone’– i’m not quite ready to give up the java, but perhaps i’ll try out another coffee house instead going to the same ole joint.
Now… let’s talk about Joe
July 24th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
It really does feel exhilarating to step outside of my comfort zone. Funny how it’s often times necessary to be reminded to do it! So thank you!
July 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I TOTALLY agree with shaking things up. Doing something different can only stimulate change-which may be what we need. Thanks for the inspiration AND reminder.