The extraordinary jacaranda, a wonderfully purple blooming tree, reminds me that thinking differently is important because there is so much more outside of our scope.

When we get out of our comfort zone and think “outside the box,” that is when change and growth start to happen. In order to improve or change our lives, we have to not only think about what we want, but we have to think about how the life we want is DIFFERENT from what our life is like now, . . . . and then fill in that difference!

Being in a rut
Feeling stuck or trapped
Wanting a change
Getting to the next level
Feeling bored
Wanting a challenge
Whatever you want to call it, they all come from that place we call a “comfort zone.”
Oftentimes we get settled in our ways - not only in terms of what we do, but also in our BELIEFS.

If you believe you will stay in a rut - that is where you will stay.
If you believe you can change your life and live how you truly want to - you’ve started to look for that difference - you’re looking for that purple tree!

Please be aware that I’m not saying everyone has to change.
Staying in your comfort zone is okay if it works for you.
However, if it is NOT working for you and you identify with some of the phrases above, it’s time to Take Action! - think outside the box - think differently.

Discovery Tip: Think Differently

• Think of where you are right now and where you feel stuck, bored or trapped.
• What is it exactly? (i.e. no independence, not enough time with family, negativity, etc.)
• Ask yourself honestly, how are you perpetuating this thinking (what you are or are NOT doing)
  It’s helpful here to get an objective point of view from a coach.
• Now, what would take you out of this “comfort zone,” what do you need to do?

Example: You feel stuck at your job.
You feel stuck because the job is boring and you don’t feel like you’re really fullfilling a purpose.
You stay at the job because it is stable job and you know what you’re doing in it.

Think outside your comfort zone:

Know that you can break out of this by simply realizing that there are job opportunities
out there for you. It can be as simple as looking in the classifieds to talking to head hunters.

OR on a deeper level:

Take notice of how you think about your job - is it surrounded by negativity? The attitude
you bring to your job is very powerful - don’t underestimate it.
Changing your attitude just might lift that boredom and feeling of being “stuck.”

“Many stand guard over their ideas because they want to protect their thought systems
as they are, and learning means change.” A Course In Miracle

Technorati Tags: Vision, Strategy, Results, Innovation, Motivation, Challenge, Change, Action