An intricate segment of our Leadership Boot Camp focuses on the importance of risk-taking and the expansion of comfort zones. There was a time when inclusion of these topics may well have been debatable. However, today’s chaotic environment requires that we take calculated risks as we continually strive to expand our current comfort zones. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to catastrophe for both individuals as well as organizations.

Ironically, most of those in leadership roles today have received very little, if any, training, exposure or preparation concerning either of these crucial areas. Expertise in these areas is usually acquired “under fire” in “real time” situations.

That must change in the future if the U.S. is to return to its lofty station of world leadership.

An old poem by Richard Armour makes a good point:

The bride, white of hair, is stooped over her cane
Her faltering footsteps need guiding.
While down the church aisle, with a toothless smile,
The groom in a wheelchair comes riding.
And who is this elderly couple you ask?
You’ll find, when you’ve closely explored it,
That here is that rare, most conservative pair,
Who waited ’til they could afford it!

Sensible thinking? Maybe. However, how many wonderful experiences have you missed in your life because you were waiting until everything was perfect? General George Patton said, “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed some day.” This is excellent advice in this day of rapid changes and constantly changing scenarios. We no longer have the luxury of long-term planning.

Are you reluctant to take a risk? Maybe even afraid? Are you cautious to commit because of an uncertain future? Afraid of failing? You may not wait an entire lifetime before making a major decision, but do you tend to wait until all possible risks are minimized before setting out in a new direction?

Our life can be divided into three crucial areas in relation to our future success.

1. Comfort Zone
2. Learning Zone
3. Panic Zone

Everything you do falls into one of these critical zones. Your acknowledgment, management and manipulation of these crucial areas can and will determine your future success.

The key lies in identifying and enhancing your current comfort zone, constantly utilizing and expanding your learning zone, and therefore diminishing your panic zone. This is a never-ending process which cannot be ignored if you seek continuous grow, contentment, and prosperity.

Consider the three zones … determine where you are in relation to various aspects of your life, and create an action plan to accommodate necessary changes.

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.