Leaving comfort zone deals with doldrums

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tracy Buechler
  • 56th Maintenance Operations Squadron
Do you feel stagnant in your job and don't know what to do, or do you just have that fear of something new? You will never know how things will turn out until you make that move and take a step.

We tend to not want to venture beyond our comfort zone; however, if we allow ourselves to stay there, we will not be challenged, experience personal growth or learn new and exciting things. In other words, we will stagnate.

After working in the same career field for 16 years, I needed a change. When you have lost the drive and motivation you need to succeed and feel like you've stopped professional and personal growth, it's time to move on. After much thought and talking it over with my family, I stepped out of my comfort zone to become a first sergeant. Was it intimidating, most definitely. Am I glad I did it? Yes, you bet I am. I am recharged again, learning a new job, talking, interacting with people, helping people, mentoring and the least desired but necessary part of the job, is the disciplinary part.

Motivational speaker and businessman, T. Harv Eker is quoted as saying, "Nobody ever died of discomfort, yet living in the name of comfort has killed more ideas, opportunities, actions and growth than everything else combined. Comfort kills!"

Some things to expand your comfort zone would be to do something as small as taking a new subject in school, learning a new language or taking up a new sport.

If you plan on making the Air Force a career, think about retraining. If you would like something less permanent, consider a special-duty assignment.

In order to be successful in your career, you will have to have diversity in your career path. Break out of your comfort zone and start living life to the fullest. Take that step!