Mental and Spiritual Comfort Zones
I am being stretched.. stretched way out of my comfort zone, mentally and spiritually. A business that has the chance to thrive, if I take a bigger risk. A pro triathlete husband who is coming back to the sport after injury and hungry to succeed (to move past that comfort zone). A few new leadership positions that have me doubt my abilities, BUT ONLY IF I LET IT. And a schedule of LIFE events that keep changing, daily. But as I sit here, I realize that God has this all planned out. Yes, HE is stretching us, growing us, and dare I say it… MOLDING US into something stronger and more durable.
Now is usually the time I say never mind, I don’t want do it. I want to give into the fear and the doubt and retreat back to my COMFORT ZONE. Oh it’s so cozy there.
But I feel it, the yearning for MORE. GOD is pulling me back out and saying “okay Lindsay, now swim, swim out of that comfort zone.”
“Really God, really?”
He answers.. “YES, but you have to TRUST ME and know that I won’t let you drown.”
And just like that, I pause, take a deep breath, and keep swimming.
Fear subsides and confidence sets in. I am ABLE.
Physical Comfort Zones
So what about being stretched physically? As I was teaching my strength and conditioning class yesterday, I realized that I not only was going have to get out my comfort zone for this workout, but I was also going to have to motivate the rest of my class to do the same.
Now I don’t ever talk about weight or appearance in my class. It’s just not my thing. We are all there to get healthy or stay healthy. But I could feel the self doubt fill the room when I mentioned we were doing Tabatas. It was the doubt that comes when measuring your abilities. Honestly, they all knew they could do it, they just needed that extra stretch, that push, that motivation. I gave them the game plan, demonstrated it, then BAM.. WE POWERED through it TOGETHER! There was no judging, you did what you COULD! No room for SELF DOUBT. No ROOM for questioning your abilities. You just TRY! Maybe it was the FEAR the Fueled them. Or Maybe it was the words of affirmation that silenced the self doubt. I like to think it was both. 
Fitness (to me) is about fine tuning your Strengths, not focusing on your weaknesses.
So maybe we’re scared to swim further, past our comfort zone. Maybe we fear our own LACK of abilities. Maybe the idea of being stretched Spiritually makes our busy type A personalities Go BONKERS!
If so….MAYBE it’s time we fuel up and tackle those boundaries, one GOD given STRENGTH at a time.
I think I’m ready to take my own advice.
What needs to be Comfort Zone do you need to swim past NOW?
Cheers,
LC (aka Crazy Cotter)
hot dang that is a workout, i can see why they were afraid 🙂
i was sore for a couple days. haha, i know they were too!
The best thing about trying is that even if you fail, you had a chance to succeed. If you don’t even try you have a 100% chance of failing. You go for it girl! We are stronger than we think. Our brains are so powerful and they can really psyche us out.
An example: A few weeks ago a friend told me she wanted me to join her on a “beautiful” walk. I was picturing butterflies and a cool breeze…well it was NOT that! It was 5 miles and 12 humungous hills(you could literally almost sit on the hill as you were walking!). I swore I would never do it again. Well, the next week we walked it again and because my brain knew it was going to be awful, it actually wasn’t that bad 🙂 We also walked it backwards this week so that the hard part was first and the easier section last and it was even easier, same exact walk but my brain perceived it as easier because I knew I just had to get through the hard and then it would be easier. You can do it girl!!
Nicole
ahh i love that story Nicole! and i so wish i could have been there to Hike it with you! xxoo
thanks for ALWAYS encouraging
Love your posts, Lindsey, as always. Hang in there girl! 2 Cor. 12:9: “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
ove that scripture! thank you Addy, it’s just what i needed to hear.. and remember! xxoo
I am so thankful for this reminder Lindsay. Staying in my comfort zone is definitely something that I do far too much. There are times when I feel the push to swim out of it, but something holds me back. I have to remember to trust. Thank you for this reminder!
so glad it helped Sarah! keep me posted on how those “zones” are being used. xxoo
I wish I could take your classes, not only for the amazing workout but also for such positive inspiration! Wishing both you Cotters luck this year as you push past your comfort zones. I’m sure you’ll be so successful.
I’d like to get out of my cycling comfort zone. I always go the same pace and never push myself. Since I can’t run, I may as well work on something!
YOu can tackles it! Push past it! Get your hubby to go with you. And yes, i so wish you could come to my class!!
Big or small, I think we all can use a little push to get out of our comfort zones – most recently mine has been pushing myself to run longer distances and listening to my body 100%… Mentally I’d think one thing, but physically I’d feel differently. Listen, listen, listen!
you are so good at listening! so keep swimming past those zones! Awesome job friend!
Swim swim swim!!! Can’t wait to see where you get!!!
I’m so out of my comfort zone on so many things right now – work and my own training. But right now, I’m feeling that I’m also where God wants me, so I’m trusting in that. Scary isn’t always bad, we just need to lean on His support to help us work though the scary stuff when He leads us there. This is how we grow, right?! 🙂
I love this Lindsay. I mean, seriously, you perspective and faith are so inspiring and I love the idea of swimming past our comfort zones. Yes! It is scary but those are also the endeavors that I find the most rewarding. I’m totally rooting for the Cotters!
What a wonderful post!!!
I recently found myself in a job that takes me out of my comfort zone often, but I feel like it’s in a good way. I find myself being more challenged, which doesn’t always feel good at the time, but afterwards I feel great!
so true! it’s that moment when we realize we’ve pushed past it and are SWIMMING strong!
I love this perspective!! I often get stuck in my comfort zone but lately, I’ve been identifying times when I just accept things rather than try and push harder. There is definitely a purpose for all that life hands us. It’s a challenge and whether or not we accept those challenges determines where we will be tomorrow.
BTW – I was JUST thinking that I needed a tabata workout in my life and this looks perfect! Thanks mama!
yes, and the more we accept, the more we grow! Ohhh the growing pains!
What a solid post, Linds…Great thoughts on a Friday! Being pushed out of our comfort zones…funny how we fight yet it is SO good for us! Thanks for that reminder today. Also, your niece is ADORABLE! Also, I’d love to take a class from you or push through some tabatas side by side with you. Way to go on crazy orders of Healthy Bites and continuing to make time to connect with God; that’s been a struggle for me the past few weeks.
Much love to you, friend! Happy weekend (and happy Wine Friday to ya – cheers)!
the more i connect with God the more I realize that I have purpose for this crazy ride of life, yes? Every day HE show us!
You are an amazing instructor to not only push yourself but your class without dipping into thoughts of appearance. I would love to be a part of it! And thank you for sharing your conversations with GOD. I need to be reminded that I am not in control 🙂
I am going to remember this post on Monday morning when I am running the Boston Marathon and feeling out of my comfort zone. It is such a mind over body thing to physically take yourself to the edge, and in the case of the marathon, stay over the edge pushing your body for a period of time. Makes me nervous just thinking about it! But I’ll use this post as my reminder that getting out of the comfort zone is alright.
Awesome – good luck, Beth! Run hard and have fun. 🙂
I always find it more comfortable to stay content in my comfort zone. Change is hard for me, but when you know that you have a solid support system and lots of great opportunities in front of you, it makes it hard not to stretch yourself! You’ve got this Lindsay! And you have all of us, plus your amazing friends and family behind you 110% 🙂 Killer workout btw 😉
gosh, thanks sarah! that means more than you know!
p.s.
let me know if you try the workout
I am swimming through it right now girl…..it is tough but god does want me to break free and keep going 🙂
Such an amazing post!!! I am not a God person BUT I have a another power I go to when things get tough – hard to put into words but just my own thing…. 🙂
I love that you wrote about the fear! That is huge with so many – me included. Many times I have powered past it & others I have retreated as you wrote about… I love that you are writing & conquering it!
We all know you can DO IT!!!!!
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an absolutely beautiful piece of writing. Thank you so much for inspiring. Very outside of my comfort zone right now is considering myself an ‘elite’ runner. That word comes with a lot of pressure and expectations and it scares the shit right out of me!
Thanks for your words today my friend. Thank you!
you deserve it, you earned that position! and you are so talented! swim strong my ELITE friend!
Sometimes I feel like we go through the same things at the same time…crazy minds think a like! I’m so there with you both physically and mentally and it’s time to swim out there to the unknown and take that scary chance. Life is short to not dream big, take chances, and give it all you got. XOXO
Can’t wait to chat and see what’s going on with you, friend! Love your faith, and love even more that HE is faithful. I’m so excited to see His blessings unfold in your life! Thanks for inspiring me yet again. I am blessed to call you a friend 😉 xoxo
friend, you are a blessing to me! thank YOU for being there and I am blessed to “know” you! <3
I need to swim past or through or whatever OVER my weight “discomfort” zone… without going back to my weight comfort zone.
Or maybe I need a new comfort zone.
Also? I think you played a HUGE part in getting that class through the tabatas. I just know you are an awesome instructor/coach… I guess you are a Sherpa in the classes too!
Oh yeah. I know that feeling. It’s so easy to stay in the comfort zone, but so rewarding to step out of it and take a risk. I’ll be doing that on Monday. 🙂 Good luck as you venture beyond the zone!
oh rock it woman! swim out far from that zone Monday! I’ll be cheering!
I think stretching outside of our comfort zones is the only way for us to grow! This will shock you, but I went to my first fitness class today! I love training people and I love training small groups, but this was the first full blown class I’ve ever gone to. It was fun! Now I really want to teach group classes!
oh my gosh, you must!! I can see group fitness instructor in your future! YAY!
Oh WOW!! You’re in my HEAD LOL… always HAHA!! I know the feeling. There are definitely some things that keep me in my comfort zone… right now… and I’m too scared to go outside but I MUST to fully GROW, yes? More food for thought indeed hehe 😀
LOVE this message, and your words of faith and strength, even amid some fear of the out-of-comfort-zone-ness you are encountering. You are shooting for the touchdown, NOT the field goal, and with that comes some discomfort but with THAT comes growth, change, success. I am confident in YOU and in your husband, you two can do ANYTHING you put your mind to. ANYTHING. Trust. As always. XOXO! (for me, it is continuing to trust myself and be confident in everything I do, unwaveringly so! It takes time and constant work but it is worth it!)
This week has been a serious strain on me, and I’m so glad to have read this post. It reminds me that although I feel so far out of my comfort zone it’s all for a reason and a part of His plan.
So true! He won’t only call us to swim but to walk on water, with faith all is possible! {Matthew 14:29-31}
Oh friend — I love your strong, strong, STRONG faith and that you are fully committing to getting out of your comfort zone, trusting Him – yes, but also trusting yourself to fully trust Him and do as He wishes. THAT is the hardest part of all. Rooting for the Cotters all the way up here in Boston. LOVE YOU!!
Girl, you don’t even know how much I needed this this morning. I’ve been facing a whole lot of career/future uncertainties lately, and fear has been playing a big part in making me just want to give up on everything, hide from the challenges, and retreat into my comfy place. Ultimately I know that’s the last thing I should be doing, but it’s so, SO tempting. Thank you for being a beautiful inspiration <3 <3
Oh yes, yes, yes. So relate to this. Your posts are always the best.
Girl, you are my total inspiration with comfort zones. To see all the different paths and journeys you’ve taken and adapted to is amazing to me!
Pushing past my comfort, is something I definitely need to get better at. I tend to freak out and go back to comforts, but I know it needs to be done!
You’re amazing friend! And have a beautiful weekend!
Oh goodness Lindsay, I needed this more than you know. Honestly, sweetie. I wish we were sitting together RIGHT now. I think this is my favourite post of yours EVER. Like ever ever. You are a beautiful writer and with THAT said, go with CONFIDENCE girl. That’s what my bf always says to me when he sees that I’m lacking it – “Confidence Meg!”
He said it to me last night because I KNOW I really need to push past my comfort zone.
Thank you again, Lindsay.
Love you like a sister.
i love that we are sisters. xxoo Love that CONFIDENCE TOO!
I feel like i’ve been out of my confort zone a lot lately – getting closer to competitionmeans different workouts, diet changes… and the dreaded posing practice. Nothing says uncomfortable like being in a stage in a bikini and clear plastic heels. 😉
I’ve been feeling stretched…which is why I’m stretching….while breathing. pausing and sometimes even, stopping.
xo
I’m definitely being stretched outside of my comfort zone but I’m also being stretched to test my patience and to SLOW down at the same time. It’s crazy difficult but I know I can do it, just like you can too!
Ooh, I’m excited for you to push through that comfort zone and trust God’s plan and let go… scary steps are the most rewarding. 🙂 We’ll be doing a lot of trusting in the changes ahead, too.
LC! friend! my company was sold yesterday, which means i will be stretching my comfort zone when it comes to work and my job – and i am working on my triathlon training with your hubs AND my relationship with my ex which also stretches my comfort zone – but in a good way! have a great weekend friend.
Hi cotter crunch!
I found your blog a few weeks ago, through Instagram actually. I love that you bring your faith into your blog, it’s brave. And love this post! I am reading Joyce Meyers’ “A Confident Woman” as my daily devotional this year and she touched on something you said…..focus on your STRENGTHS not your weaknesses. I think that most people, guys and girls, tend to focus on our weaknesses and why we should be better at this, and stronger at that. We compare ourselves to others and ask why cant i be good at what theyre good at? But if we take time to find our gifts and strengthen those gifts God has given us we will be happier and more confident! 🙂 hope you have a good weekend.
Hi Molly!! Yes, you are so right! We tend to shift focus on what we are lacking when ultimately, God blessed us with so many other strengths! well said. And love Joyce meyer!
Now you have me thinking about all kinds of ways I could swim out of my comfort zone…it’s SO scary, but a little exciting at the same time 🙂
Indeed friend. Take a big breath and go for it!
love love love. Kyle told me the other day that I often underestimate myself. I know its true, but I still do it. Trying to power through and graduate with my PhD a semester early… can I do it? I hope so!
i know so! you can, just take it one day at a time. xxoo
I always see you as fearless when it comes to comfort zones. You have taken so many new paths, even if they weren’t the easiest ones. You’ve travelled and lived abroad, you’ve started a wonderful business, you inspire those in your classes, and you inspire me.
Love this! Looks like you are well on your way with those healthy bites! Those things are gooooood 🙂 Pushing past my comfort zone is something that I really need to strive to do more often. So many people get too comfortable!
I love this. And I really hope you get the courage to make the next step with your business because I think you have a lot of support from all of us!
This has been the worst week ever – feel like I’m being asked to “swim” on many things. Trying to keep my head above water.
linz, i know, and i am SO SORRY! Praying for health, healing, and BIG MUSCLES to SWIM! love you! let me know if i can do anything.
As much as it hurts, I love getting out of my bubble! I need to, it’s how I grow! Hence the desire to want to move! I’ve been here my whole life, how can I grow without getting lost or learning new ways or doing new things?
Oh I just love this post! Comfort zones are just so comfy. But I never regret stretching past where I think I can go!
bulgarian split squats? owww!! “swimming” past our comfort zones seems much more manageable when you put it like that 🙂
I ADORE YOU.
Mine isnt fitness but feels like FAMILY.
to ratchet everything even further back and focus on the homefront and my daughter.
AND TRUST I WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES LATER.
you will. Because you are investing in what’s important first. That investment will be valuable later on. FOR SURE!
Oh yes, I can relate to this post……
Thinking of having a baby soon…
Talk about being STRETCHED past COMFORT ZONE!
Oh friend, how do some of your post just KNOW how to speak to me. I am in need of swimming past couple comfort zones my self right now – emotional and physical ones. I LOVE the “living your life” quote — I may be stealing that!! You’ve totally got this buddy – it is HIS plan — he never gives us more then we can handle (though sometimes it may feel like he is haha). Happy Friday!
You can do it! keep me posted, k? and yes, steal that quote!