According to Webster's New Millennium Dictionary, the term Comfort Zone is defined as: an established lifestyle in which a person feels comfortable as long as there is no drastic change.

I think the term should be re-named for what it really is: the "Status-Quo Zone", or "Familiar Zone" or "Safe Zone", but not Comfort Zone. Why? Because it may seem comfortable, but in fact it's only an illusion and as we outgrow it, it actually takes more energy to hold on to the status quo than it does to move with the rhythm and energy of change. And yet we do it because our current situation is predictable, self-perpetuating and familiar. Instead of taking steps that bring us somewhere less familiar, we burn more energy to keep ourselves in the same spot.

Think of it this way - you have a closet full of coats and every morning, you grab the same old familiar one. You don't look at it closely because in your mind, it looks and fits like it did when you bought it ages ago. It's only when you stop to pay attention that you realize you've gotten so used to having a hole in the pocket, you've stopped using it for coins. And it's a little tight under the arms, so you never wear it with a sweater. And yes, the cuffs are a bit frayed so you just remember to not to wear it anywhere fancy.

Instead of changing situations to meet our needs, we accommodate the discomfort, often without realizing it. We accept mediocrity because it's familiar to us and change, no matter how small, requires action, which sometimes feels uncomfortable. But remember discomfort is simply discomfort, nothing more. And not only are you capable of handling it, but when it passes, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you've created something more satisfying for yourself.

What's the personal cost for you to remain in your Comfort Zone? Sure, you could continue as is, but you know it would be at the cost of you living fully. What are you sacrificing to be in the Comfort Zone? What behavior or habit or way of thinking do you want to leave behind in 2005 and not bring into 2006?

You can do it. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can feel overwhelming or scary. What can you do, what do you need, to begin to make a change?

Take a step. Yup, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Baby steps count.

Teleclass: 2006, A Year Well Lived

How many New Years have come and gone without you achieving your goals for the year? Instead of recycling your resolutions yet again, let's shake things up! January is the perfect time to set your course for a year well lived. Join me to build your vision, clear your path and move forward. Date: Tuesday January 24th 2006 Time: 6pm - 7:30 PT (9pm ET, 2am GMT) Cost: $35 US or refer a friend and save 25% Register: click here to download a registration form click here to register on line (Mary Anne: same as past registrations. need name, city, state, country, phone #, e-mail address. Can pay by check or paypal - don't need street address) Space is very limited Class details will be provided upon registration receipt