Just Do It! And I'm Not Talking About Buying a Pair of Nike's

Anything is possible but you are responsible for making it happen.

Are you stuck in a comfort zone that you find is no longer satisfying? Perhaps you've desired a change in your life for a long time - only to find a year later you're still hoping for change. Well, it's time to get off your duff and Just Do It!

There's no better time than now to do what your heart desires, what your life needs, and what you're soul longs for. Why, because life's too short to procrastinate. While having a comfort zone can be satisfying for many, ask yourself if it brings joy to your life. If so, great - than you can stop reading now. But if you're life doesn't spell joy, than keep reading and learn how to bring joy to your life - for a much healthier, happier brand new you.

Remaining in a comfort zone is easy, and I would wager that the majority of people would agree. But, more often than not, success, complete inner peace, and true joy are not derived from a life sustained in a comfort zone. So, I encourage each of you to walk the boundaries of your comfort zone, and take a look outside to see all the wonderful things that life has waiting for you. Then, I challenge you to step outside your boundary of comfort and make a change. For many, fear inhibits change. Yet others don't embrace change for the mere fact that it takes work...and change.

Let's rewind and take a deeper look at your comfort zone

One's comfort zone is technically a psychological state of mind where we live each day knowing what to expect. It allows for control of our environment, and lessens episodes of anxiety and stress. Our comfort zone feels safe, comfortable, content, and inhibits fear. Our comfort zone is predictable. In fact, having a comfort zone is not a bad thing unless it become mundane. Mundane is when our imagination no longer plays a role in our lives, we become stale, stagnant without joy - in a sense, a mundane person is merely existing. Mundane lifestyles often bring about depression, health problems, and can cut years off of one's life. In fact, long-term use of certain psychiatric medications can rob people of their ability to feel joy and the opportunity to have a soaring imagination and sense of livelihood - leading to a mundane lifestyle.

Let's think of our life as a pet fish. For example, guppies, goldfish, and pufferfish can sustain a decent quality of life in a clean fish bowl with pretty rocks and tunnels to flow through. Yet they live in the confinement of the bowl. How about the polar bear? The polar bear takes responsibilities seriously, is loyal and a good listener, and very nurturing. But, they have great difficulty stepping outside of their comfort zones and they dislike change. The average polar bear only lives about 15 years. However, the oldest known polar bear in the Arctic lived to be 32 years old. Well, I'm certainly no zoologists, but for me, this gives rise to the question of "What was different in this polar bears life that all the others did not not possess?". 

On the other hand, the dolphin possesses enthusiasm, friendliness, good communication skills, and is warm and affectionate - even toward humans. Dolphins are considered one of the world's most intelligent animals, and they have several cognitive abilities that set them apart. In fact, researchers consider their intelligence to be a combination of perception, communication, and problem-solving. What I love about dolphins is their altruism. Their compassion extends beyond their own species and they are known for helping individuals in danger to shore. What's so cool about the dolphin is they tend to live their life outside of their comfort zones, and use their intelligence as a protective mechanism. Their intelligence inhibits fear.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Is it like the dolphin, or is it more like the guppy or polar bear? Do you have dreams, desire more for your life, or feel as if something is missing or needs to change in your life? If so, there's no better time than now to just do it!

What's the downside of remaining in our comfort zones? 

Life is short, this is a fact. And, for those of us that are no longer considered 'youth' or a 'young adult', the year's seem to go by even faster. When we choose to remain in our comfort zone, essentially we are choosing to continue to only do what is safe and easy - maybe even effortless. This doesn't challenge our minds or teach us anything new. Furthermore, If there's no challenge or risk, then there's likely no reward. Think of how great you feel when you accomplish something. When you procrastinate and only dream of what you want, days go by, and before you know it another year has passed and you're still sitting in the same spot. Most importantly, when you never step outside your lines of boundaries, you limit your ability to learn and grow. 

So, what's the upside to stepping outside my comfort zone?

The big thing that so many people miss is the fact that by achieving new things and stepping outside your boundaries, your comfort zone just becomes bigger -expanding your boundary line. Taking healthy risk to achieve your dreams brings about self confidence and a sense of achievement. Reaching goals is rejuvenating. Pushing yourself to do something you've always desired to do, whether it be going back to school, applying for that position you've always wanted, starting a work-up out routine, or whatever it may be, you're encouraged to just do it. 

Let today be a new day. If that choice is to finally Saying "NO" to depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), then MNH TMS & Psychiatry Services can help. Visit us a www.TMSstartitup.com or to find a TMS clinic near you visit TMS Directory.