I cannot tell you how often I say (or yell) ”get out of your comfort zone” or “this should be uncomfortable” or “we can’t make change if we don’t feel the discomfort”, or my favorite, “does it suck yet?”. These are a few of my quotes when I am training my boot campers or teaching a cycling class. When we exercise, we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone in order to lose weight, burn fat and get toned.

However, this is a goal that should be implemented into other areas of our lives as well. Personally, I make the most change physically (in regards to my fitness), when I take chances and get out of my comfort zone in other aspects of my life. Since I have owned my own business, Make It Fit, LLC, I am faced with discomfort daily. I know that in order to grow my business and to be successful, I have to push myself and get out of my comfort zone just like I do when I work out. This may mean, presenting to a large group of business professionals on a fitness topic, doing my monthly live news fitness segment (which still makes me very nervous), or writing this blog when I know that my physical appearance, expertise and/or character may be judged or scrutinized. I have a choice every day to get uncomfortable. Sometimes, I push myself, and other times, I do not have the energy and I choose to stay in my comfort zone (which gets me nowhere).

Another aspect of my life where I am faced with discomfort is when it comes to advocating for my son, Anthony who is on the Autism Spectrum. There have been countless times where I have had to disagree with doctors, family members, therapists, teachers and administrators on what my child needs. Talk about discomfort and taking chances! However, in the end we always get what we need for him and feeling stronger because of those moments of discomfort.

I truly believe if we get out of our comfort zones in our every day lives, it will be easier to push ourselves during our workouts. Maybe it’s all relative. When I am working out and I push myself to the point of burn and exhaustion, and I want to quit, I think about my work challenges and advocating for my son and I think to myself “heck, 10 more push ups is nothing in comparison,” and I finish strong.

So with all of this said, I have a challenge for YOU, my readers. This week, get out of YOUR comfort zone in any aspect of your life BESIDE your workout and fitness. Maybe it could be asking for that raise that you deserve, or dealing with a family issue you have been sweeping under the rug. Maybe it’s just going to a restaurant or to a movie by yourself. Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you feel uncomfortable and that you feel challenged. Check back with me and let me know how it worked out for you. I bet you come out feeling stronger. Here’s to discomfort!