In coaching we talk about helping people move out of their comfort zone into what we describe as the ‘growth zone’. For when people move into what’s uncomfortable, growth happens.
Muhammad Ali said it best when he a reporter asked him “how many sit ups do you do in training?”. His response was “I don’t count my sit ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count”.
In effect, what he’s saying is that he recognises that he has to move through and out of his comfort zone as quickly as possible and to reside in his ‘growth zone’ for as long as he can to allow his muscle to develop. We know the phrase “no pain. no gain” and this sums up what Ali is saying.
COVID has put many of us into uncomfortable situations and what I’m seeing is that people are growing as a consequence. Thinking differently, challenging normal routines, being creative. With the right mindset and appropriate action we can come through this stronger.
