NEW CASTLE —
Comfort.
We all dream about it on the job or at school. What’s the least amount of effort I can put forth to get the greatest reward? Or, “man, when I retire I’m going to spend my days on a yacht sipping umbrella drinks.”
We all crave it late at night. A gallon of Turkey Hill rocky road smothered in chocolate sauce will make me feel better. Or, “sure, blanket those fries with cheese, chili AND gravy.”
We all settle for it on our relationships. I’ll lend a hand when it’s convenient for me. Or, I’ll call her back later; I’m busy right now.
Michael Hyatt, the former chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, makes three powerful arguments against that type of comfort:
1) Comfort is overrated — It doesn’t lead to happiness. It makes us lazy — and forgetful. It often leads to self-absorption, boredom, and discontent.
2) Discomfort is a catalyst for growth — It makes us yearn for something more. It forces us to change, stretch, and adapt.
3) Discomfort is a sign we’re making progress — You’ve heard the expression, “no pain, no gain.” It’s true. When you push yourself to grow, you will experience discomfort.
So true.
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it again and again: There’s no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.
If you’re an athlete, you should — no, you MUST — live in the growth zone while training. Comfort is not an option.
Ever.
Seen any college football or basketball games recently? You may have heard an announcer say, “Boy, he looks comfortable in the pocket” or “she’s really comfortable handling the ball against the press.”
That’s the level of comfort you want to strive for. It’s not a type of ease or relaxation, but a standard of excellence that comes from hours of experimenting, tweaking, and repetition.
The only way to be truly comfortable in a game situation is to become uncomfortable in the pursuit of excellence.
So, what does that look like? Here are a few examples:
•If you aren’t a fast runner, start running faster in practice.
•If you aren’t strong, you need to lift and strain and push to become stronger.
•If you can’t go to your left, practice going to your left.
•If you have trouble seeing the floor, work on drills that help you see the floor better.
I know, I know. That sounds way too simple.
Sorry, but it is.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy.
You MIGHT have to take two steps backward before you move forward. You MAY occasionally look like a fool. You WILL feel uncomfortable.
But it will be well worth your effort.
Quick, easy, simple, fast ... those are all words used by marketers to seduce you into buying what they’re selling.
Don’t fall for it.
There’s no easy way.
There’s no magic pill.
There’s no amount of dreaming or wishing that will enhance your natural talent. Hope is most powerful when backed up by actions.
So, are you willing to put in the work?
Are you willing to look bad today to become great tomorrow?
Are you willing to set aside comfort and ease for the pain of progress?
Are you willing to climb the mountain one uncomfortable step at a time?
I knew it.
See you at the top.
Tim Kolodziej
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About Tim Kolodziej: Tim is director of new media at The News. His blog appears each Thursday.
Discussion
Tim Kolodziej: If you want true comfort, leave your comfort zone
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