Success is not a destination, it is a journey. ~ John C. Maxwell
If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness. ~Les Brown
So far in our journey together we have looked at Self-Awareness, Thinking Differently, Engaging Intentionally, Persevering, and today we wrap it up with Stretching! I know, you have been stretched already, Right? Well, here is a clue. When you stop stretching to reach new heights, achieve more, become more, or to impact more, then you are in a rut. I once heard someone say that a rut is just a grave with both ends kicked out! I like that, because when you quit stretching, you are dying on the inside. So, what is involved in stretching? Glad you asked!
First, understand that success – in any area – can lead you into a comfort zone. Comfort zones can be a very bad thing. When you are in one, you can begin to feel satisfied, loose vision, become less committed, even fall into the complacent zone. By the way, I think that is where most people live. But, just the fact your reading this shows me that you have a stirring inside to be more, achieve more, impact more people. Well to do that STRETCH!
Why is it so common to slide into comfort and then into complacency? Simply put, a human being who chooses to play it safe, not risk, not sacrifice, etc. will always trend downward.
Think about this: Why is it so rare for an athletic team to win more than one championship in a row? Why is it that very few businesses or organizations who are listed in the top of their industry to maintain that status for the next survey? Why is it too common for us to read or hear about someone excelling in an area and then begin to slide into failure and shame?
It is because stretching is challenging! You have to understand this fact: Success is not a destination. Success is a journey. When will the journey end? It will end when you decide to stop growing, or when you stop breathing! Your choice.
I have decided to be a life-long learner, and to keep growing until I finally quit breathing. Join me?
Get Maximized!
Danny
PS: I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I have been wrapped up in some family issues, and was having this site rebuilt. I hope you like the new look!