I was at the gym this morning...one of very few people who wanted to burn off extra helpings of pumpkin pie.  I overhead a guy complaining about a particular piece of equipment that was not working.  He was so upset about his preferred machine being broken, that he found a staff member to complain to.  The whole problem took over 5 minutes to explain, and still the staff member couldn't help (more on that in another post).  The guy was upset...but he should have been happy.  In business, as in life, the "comfort zone" is a killer.  When you're trying to build a better body, doing the same exercises over and over is NOT the way to stimulate growth and challenge your muscles.  Your body wants what's easy and comfortable...but that means you stay just the way you are.  If you're average and you're taking the "easy way" in the gym, well CONGRATULATIONS...you'll stay average!

Consider the same approach in business.  If the Yellow Pages, for example, is your preferred method of advertising, and you don't track it or change it up, then you're taking the easy way out.  How effective is your advertising if you just plug an ad in one (or four) Yellow Pages for a year?  Why not move out of your comfort zone, flex your muscles, and really grow!  Network (with a plan, of course).  Do some educational seminars.  Join some professional groups and get yourself into leadership positions.

Whatever you do, just remember you get out of life what you put into it...and the comfort zone isn't where progressive, growth-oriented people will find satisfaction.  If you want to get ahead...get OUT of the comfort zone.  That's my unsolicited coaching tip for the day.  Now go put it to work!