Start A New Program

The National Institute of Science says that we have 60 to 80 thousand thoughts a day. (How they came up with that I don’t know but…) It sounds pretty impressive. But just as in the movie Groundhog Day and all the other movies that copied the same plot. The NIS says that 90% of our thoughts are the same ones we had the day before. Think about that for a few seconds. We are creatures of habit. Get up, get dressed, go here or there…. over and over and over again. So many things are just done automatically. So really those thoughts are just there without us even thinking about them. Then they piled this into the mix. Over 70% of those thoughts we have each day are negative thoughts.

Our brains take up to 20% to 30% of our daily energy to run them. Thinking takes energy. So, our brains are looking for shortcuts. The sooner our brains can learn a new way to do it that doesn’t take thinking. It does it! Part of the reason that happens is because when our brains are in their natural state, (a state of laziness.) We don’t have to come up with creative ideas or new ways of looking at things. We can just go on autopilot.

We have a choice will we just let our past decide our future or will we be brave enough to ‘fight that feeling?” Are we willing to stand up against that comfort zone? The zone that keeps us from moving ahead to be, do, and have more than we are now. It will be a fight it will be a struggle. It starts with us identifying what habits we allow to run our lives, taking time to call out beliefs that do not serve us in a good way, and acting in a different way than we were before. I am not saying you are not good at being you. I am just saying we need to stop letting good keep us from being better than just “good enough.” Let me be the first to say that I know I do that too much. 

Don’t let age stop you, There have been too many people who let that old tired excuse, make them old and tired, way before their time. Don’t let the lack of time stop you. When we are willing to admit how much time we waste with our face on a screen of some type. (phone, computer, TV, etc…) We will own back some of our life or attention that we have been giving away. 

Here is an idea to try. Make a list of things that make you happy. Go ahead and write it out. Now make a list of things you do all day. Go there do this, do that, be here, … Now look at the two lists, then we need to be brave enough to adjust accordingly.

Breaking out of your comfort zone and shifting towards a more positive mindset can lead to personal growth and opportunities. Here are 10 ways to make that change. Of course, there are many others besides, let these just get you thinking.

  1. Set Small Challenges: Start with attainable challenges that push your boundaries. This can help build confidence and lower the intimidation factor of trying new things.
  2. Change Your Routine: Altering even minor aspects of your daily routine can introduce novelty, which can gradually make you more comfortable with change.
  3. Learn a New Skill: Picking up something unfamiliar requires you to be vulnerable and open to mistakes, which is key to exiting your comfort zone.
  4. Shift Perspective: Actively practice seeing situations from multiple viewpoints. This mental flexibility can greatly enhance your adaptability and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar.
  5. Explore Creative Outlets: Dive into creative pursuits like painting, writing, or music. This can open up new ways of self-expression and thought processes outside your normal routine.
  6. Educate Yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, or take online courses about topics outside of your expertise. Knowledge can empower you to break barriers and venture into uncharted territory.
  7. Reflect on Your Thoughts: Take time to reflect on your thought patterns. Are they helping or hindering you? Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
  8. Take Measured Risks: Assess the risks involved in stepping out of your comfort zone and take calculated actions that have a higher likelihood of rewarding outcomes.
  9. Volunteer Work: Get involved in community service or volunteer for a cause outside your regular sphere. This can expose you to new environments and allow you to contribute positively while stepping out of your comfort zone.
  10. Join Interest Groups or Clubs: Becoming part of a group centered on an interest or hobby that’s new to you can be both enlightening and challenging, pushing you to engage with unfamiliar concepts and activities.


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