The story I'm about to tell is said to have taken place in a state in Brazil known for the folkloric malevolence of its people.
Two friends were lying in their hammocks on the porch of the house, on the side of a road. Exactly at that time, an armored car passed by and dropped a bundle of money. When touching the ground, the notes detached themselves and began to fly in the wind. All this under the watchful eyes of the two friends.
That's when one of the friends said to the other:
- My king, do you see what I see? It's too much money and by the color of the bills it must be one hundred reais.
And the other friend replied:
- I can see it. But I guess today is not our lucky day. And the other friend, not understanding anything, wanted to know why. That's when the other added:
- Well that wind could bring the money to us, but it's taking it to the other side of the road!
As much as this seems strange, this type of behavior is natural for humans, our famous comfort zone.
We bring with us the primitive instinct to do what is easiest, most comfortable and pleasurable, preferring to stay in the world we already know, rather than facing the unknown that causes us no fear, anxiety or risk.
The fear of facing the new and the pain that every transformation brings, leads the human being to be accommodated, living a meaningless life.
There is no success without pain. That famous phrase: No pain no gain; it is very true. Without work and dedication it is not possible to achieve victories. Everything in life has its price. And one of them is to get out of that condition.
But on the other hand, we also bring a natural desire to grow and achieve something better, where we can express all our inner greatness and become the protagonist of our history. You know that feeling of leaving that stage of the chorus of Zeca pagodinho's song "let life take me, life takes me" and discover a new world where you are the commander.
The comfort zone is not that harmful. It is part of a larger cycle and should be seen as the beginning of a process. What is wrong is to remain in it.
In my lecture “The power of motivation in times of challenge” I use the climber as an example of planning, effort and determination.
With a different vision, he does not look at the mountain as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to overcome it. That's why you create strategies that will help you in your purpose.
And as part of his strategy, he divides his vision into four stages, all of which are important to achieving his ultimate goal, which is to reach the top. Are they:
Comfort zone: it's the foot of the mountain. The place to prepare the ascent. With all the infrastructure of good and comfortable accommodation, it is ideal for planning and adapting to the beginning of the climb. But he is aware that if he wants to reach his goal, he has to get out of there.
Insecurity zone: it is the second stage of the cycle and the first practical part of the climb. Here things really start to happen. It is the phase of facing the unknown and this brings fear, which has stolen dreams and generated doubts, which leads many to give up the endeavor. It is at this time that you need to press the overcoming button. I call this phase the motivation line, where your persistence is put to the test.
Transformation zone: it is the stage of the mountain that precedes the top and is the most challenging. Here the climber becomes aware of the greater need for change and adaptation. The thinner air and steeper slope of the mountain makes the ascent more difficult and dangerous. It's time to seek the last strength to close your journey with a golden key. But he can already visualize the top and that motivates him to continue.
Conquest Zone: It is the final stage of the climb, where the top represents the dream come true. Nothing replaces this stage. This moment is the peak that every climber craves. Now it's time to enjoy the benefits of that achievement. The expanded view from the top brings the reward for all the effort made. This motivates and prepares you for new challenges.
Did you know that the plane can only take off against the wind and the great sailors are made in rough seas? You have to step out of your comfort zone and face challenges as an opportunity for growth, because success doesn't happen in your comfort zone.
Remember what doesn't challenge you doesn't motivate you and what doesn't motivate doesn't transform you.
Think about it, live it!!!!
Eduardo Martinez, Dr. Motivation, CEO of Top Training Trainings and Lectures, Speaker, Writer and Specialist in People Management.