“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
You’ve probably heard the popular mantra, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s a solid push for personal development, embracing challenges. But for me, as a leader, the real truth hits a little differently: Be uncomfortable if you are comfortable.
Think about it for a moment. Where does genuine learning really happen? Where does true, lasting growth truly unfold? Almost never from the cozy confines of your comfort zone. So, if you’re feeling pretty good right now, as a leader, within your organization, or with your team’s performance, could that actually be a subtle sign that it’s time to lean into some discomfort?
My task as an executive coach and consultant isn’t to simply pat you on the back. It’s to help you see the gap – that space between where you are today and where you’re truly called to be. I approach this without judgment, but with an unwavering focus on the incredible potential, I know you possess.
I recall a client once shared a significant success story with me. I celebrated their accomplishment, absolutely. But my immediate response was, “That’s fantastic! So, what’s next?” The client, half-jokingly, wondered if I was ever going to be ‘happy.’
I’ve often been called enigmatic in this role. You might step away from a call with me feeling challenged, perhaps even a little discomfited, but you’ll likely find yourself looking forward to our next conversation. As my mentor told me over 25 years ago, “I am not here to comfort the afflicted. I am here to afflict the comforted.”
Even Jesus, the master teacher, consistently challenged those who were already doing “great things” to push even further. Imagine accomplishing something amazing, and He asks, “You’re feeding hundreds, but can you feed 5,000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish?” He consistently asked for just a bit more, stretching people beyond their perceived limits and into a realm of greater impact.
The Challenge: The Lure of Cruise Control
It’s incredibly easy to settle into your comfort zone. Life on cruise control often feels appealing because it promises:
- Lower risk of failure: You stick to what you know, minimizing potential missteps.
- Broader appeal: You’re less likely to ruffle feathers, which might make you more broadly liked.
- Perceived ease: It just feels simpler, less demanding, and less stressful.
But at what cost? What about the impact? Another mentor of mine used to say, “It’s not about how much you make, it’s about how much you leave on the table.”
What are you leaving on the table by staying comfortable? What incredible potential is going unrealized because you’re not pushing past “good enough”?
The Solution: Breaking Free and Raising Your Average
To overcome the powerful gravitational pull of the comfort zone, you have to intentionally raise your average. This isn’t about giant leaps every day, but consistent, deliberate action. This means:
- Hang Around People Who Call You to Greatness: Your environment profoundly shapes who you become. Actively seek out individuals who challenge your thinking, who simply refuse to let you settle, and who genuinely inspire you to aim higher. These are the people who see your potential even when you might not fully see it yourself.
- Confront Your Deepest Fear: I’m reminded of a powerful scene in the movie Coach Carter, where Samuel L. Jackson’s character repeatedly pressed Cruz about his greatest fear. It wasn’t until later in the film that Cruz finally articulated it, reciting a portion of a truly profound poem. Here it is in its entirety:
Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
This truth hits hard and holds us accountable. Your playing small genuinely doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing truly enlightened about shrinking yourself so that others around you might feel less insecure. We are all meant to shine brightly. We were born to make manifest the glory within us.
Being effective as a leader means consistently choosing discipline over distraction. It’s about deeply reflecting on what’s working, humbly learning from what hasn’t, and courageously course-correcting in relentless pursuit of uncommon growth. Leaders don’t just drift into success—they evaluate, decide, and act. At Growing Champions, we equip leaders with the precise tools and vision to do just that—because real leadership is about consistent, deliberate alignment between your values, your habits, and your desired outcomes.
👉 Ready to step out of your comfort zone and into your calling? 📩 Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the word ‘COMFORT’ in the subject line, and I’ll send you a link to book a free, no-pressure call. Let’s talk about the gap between where you are and where you’re meant to be.
Quote of the Week
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
– Matthew 5:14 NLT
What you need to do:
Your Call to Action: Shine Your Light
Your comfort zone might feel safe and familiar, but in reality, it’s often a cage for your true potential and impact. It’s time to step out. Embrace the challenge. Go after that “more” you know you’re truly capable of.
Speaking to the crowds and His disciples in His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shared a profound truth:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
You are meant to be that city, radiating light from the hilltop. Don’t let comfort dim your inherent brilliance. The world is waiting for your light.
What’s one area where you’ll intentionally step outside your comfort zone this week to illuminate your path and impact?
If this Brew encouraged you, share it with a fellow leader, friend, or teammate, and subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together! ☕💪
Until next time—stay focused, stay faithful, and keep growing, Champions! 💪
P.S. Want to share your story of courage and grace on The Uncommon Leader Podcast? Email me and let’s connect!
