As humans, we work really hard to avoid discomfort. Unfortunately, staying in our comfort zone can actually make life harder in the long run. The important thing to remember is that your comfort zone is about keeping you where you are. If you stay where you are, you will never get where you want to be.

To Grind or Not to Grind?

We’ve all seen the t-shirts and coffee mugs espousing the idea that success is about “grinding every day,” “Always hustling,” or whatever other fun way of saying work hard 24/7. Is this really the path to success? I’m going to take a bold position here and say…maybe. Here’s the thing, this world is full of people who stay on the grind and work hard day after day and don’t get anywhere. Hard work is important, but if your work is not moving you toward your goals, what are you accomplishing? Remember, a hamster can spend the day running full speed on the wheel and ultimately still be in a cage. Hard work is essential, but mindset might be more important.

What’s Your Mindset?

I’m a word guy. I like to break words down to their roots. This can be surprisingly helpful, so let’s take a look at a favorite. What is a “mindset?” Your mindset is the life direction you “set” your “mind” to. Think of it as a plan, a blueprint, or a goal. How you focus your mind influences your actions and ultimately your results. Ask yourself, is your mind set to growth? Is your mind set to building on your potential? If you don’t set goals and put everything into building toward them, then no amount of work will put you where you want to be.

This is Your Life. What Are You Going To Do With It?

Your life is largely the result of your decisions. Knowing this, you must ask if your choices are moving you forward or holding you in place. Moving forward, means stepping outside of your comfort zone. It’s called a comfort zone because it’s familiar, safe, and what you are used to. It is, very literally, staying put. In the same way that you can’t see the world without leaving your home town and you can’t fly without leaving the ground, you cannot reach your life’s potential without leaving your comfort zone. It is your life. Where do you want to go?

Michael Snow is a writer whos passions range from poetry and philosophy to marketing and business. Check out his writing services on Fiverr, and drop a comment below if you got something positive out of this post. Remember, writers feed on caffeine and positive feedback needing both to survive.

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