I had a meeting the other day with a network partner of mine. We ended up talking about our visions, ideas and thoughts about what was key in order to progress and to implement our plans and what could possibly stand in our way. During our conversation my network partner casually mentioned the term “Comfort Zone of Success” and how this “zone” could actually hinder our progress and prevent us from reaching our goals. The term “Comfort Zone of Success” triggered some thoughts in my head, some of which I would like to share with you today.

The term “Comfort Zone” often has a negative association. A person’s chances of success can be significantly reduced should they chose to stay in their comfort zone. We frequently hear about situations in which an individual was not ready to step out of their comfort zone and was thereby held back from going any further and from being a high achiever.

Getting back to my conversation with my network partner. He is an entrepreneur, who, together with some other partners, has set up a very successful consulting company. Their business has been growing very solidly since it was established. It was interesting to hear him talking about the “Comfort Zone of Success” and its drawbacks related to his visions and dreams on a much larger scale.

Following further exchanges about the topic we came to the conclusion that successful people are probably confronted with the same struggles as others who have not yet achieved their goals and who are not where they want to be. Fear and risk are the primary obstacles for every individual to overcome. For successful people it is about challenging the status quo of their success and the fear of taking higher risks and leaving the comfort zone of their familiar level of success. In addition it is linked with the fear of failure and the possibility that they might lose what they have already achieved, their reputation, pride and maybe their power and influence, be it on a financial or social level.

The bottom line is that the “Comfort Zone of Success” can be very challenging and possibly also seductive. It is a great temptation to keep things just as they are and any decision to challenge the status quo will certainly bring about the question “WHY?” As Nietzsche says: “He who has a WHY to live for, can bear almost any HOW.” Consequently if the WHY is strong enough, the urge to achieve and be successful will automatically take over. The associated fear and risk can be dealt with by examining closely, which fears control your mind and by analysing the assumed risks properly and then by challenging them. Do these assumed risks really exist and are they justified? Do we, as is our nature, over estimate them in order to protect ourselves?

Take the courage to examine your personal fears and assess the risks. Cultivate the courage needed to overcome the “Comfort Zone of your Success” in order to achieve success on a much larger scale...