PERSONAL NOTE

While you are reading this, I will still be in a cabin in the mountains outside San Diego.  I only have a few days there; however, it restores my soul when I am up there.  It's a small cluster of cabins on Mt. Laguna that are operated by 3 brothers.  I've been going there for years.  Some of my experiences there have been spending extra days (oh darn) due to blizzards, once a group of 24 wild turkeys came to the front door to partake in the wild bird seed I had spread out in the yard.  I had one scary time when I was out hiking, and a heavy thunderstorm came in.  I was getting drenched on my way back to the cabin (which was okay), but a bolt of lightning struck about 100 feet from me.  It was the loudest sound I have ever heard and was absolutely terrifying.  It took a while to dry off, warm up, and calm down.  I'll let you know next month how this trip goes. 

ARTICLE

Your Comfort Zone Called—It Wants You to Grow

You know that cozy, familiar space where everything feels safe and predictable? That’s your comfort zone. It’s like your favorite old hoodie—soft, broken-in, and dependable. And just like that hoodie, it’s comforting…but not exactly what you’d wear to make a bold move or try something new.

Comfort zones exist for a reason. They protect us. They help us feel in control. And in high-stress work environments or during life’s tougher seasons, we need that sense of safety. But here’s the catch—when we hang out there for too long, we trade in growth for familiarity. We choose routine over opportunity. And often, we settle for “fine” instead of reaching for “fulfilling.”

Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean making massive, scary changes overnight. It’s not about quitting your job and moving to a yurt in the desert (unless that’s your dream—then by all means, yurt on). It can be something as simple as speaking up in a meeting, taking a new route home, or signing up for a class that sparks your interest. It’s about doing something that feels just a little uncomfortable—just enough to stretch you.

And that discomfort? It’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s a sign you’re growing. It means you’re creating new neural pathways, expanding your skills, and discovering parts of yourself that comfort kept tucked away.

Think about the first time you tried something new, your first day at a job, the first workout after a long break, or the first time you spoke in front of a group. Nerve-wracking? Definitely. But also, kind of exhilarating, right? That’s the sweet spot. It’s where confidence is built, courage is cultivated, and resilience kicks in.

When you push past what’s familiar, you start to realize that fear and excitement often feel the same in your body—it’s what you do with them that makes the difference. Fear says, “What if I fail?” Growth says, “What if I learn something amazing?”

So, this month, I’m inviting you to take one step—just one—outside that comfort bubble. Try something that makes your heart race a little or your palms sweat. Say yes to something new. Or finally say no to something that’s been keeping you stuck.

Remember: your comfort zone will always be there when you need to rest. But in your growth zone, that’s where the magic lives. That’s where you discover who you really are—and what you're capable of.

And who knows? That slightly scary thing you try today might become tomorrow’s new comfort zone. The more you stretch, the bigger your life becomes. 

COOL RESOURCE

When changes that you need to make seem daunting it might be hard to remember that making small changes over time can lead to big results.  I have read this book multiple times and highly recommend it.   The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy.

I LOVE GETTING YOUR COMMENTS 

Hit reply to let me know your thoughts or challenges. 

Linked In  

Stay safe, healthy, and happy!

Coach Jan