Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Courage Zone

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."
~ Orison Swett Marden




Each of us has encountered opposition, brick walls, rejection along this writing journey. Yet we are all still here, day after day, supporting each other, holding each other up and cheering each other on. That takes courage. According to Keith Hicks, 
"All personal and professional growth happens outside of the comfort zone.  No person and no organization will grow by staying in the comfort zone, so the bottom line is if you want to grow, you’ve got to step outside that zone."
And stepping outside the comfort zone = entering the courage zone. And according to Orison Swett Marden, entering the courage zone = success

That means, we are all successful already! The proof is right there in the formula. So . . .

Congratulations on your successes!!

27 comments:

Christine Danek said...

Very true. I never thought of myself as courageous, but I guess you have to be to keep going.
Thanks for the encouragement.

Theresa Milstein said...

I like this quote. I'm going to hold onto it for the appropriate post.

Hoping you stay out of the comfort zone, and good things happen for you!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Very true words, uplifting to read.

Yvonne,

Erica Mitchell said...

Very encouraging. I had never thought about the comfort zone in that way before, but I get it. It makes total sense, so I'm going to hold on to that quote for days I feel a little too comfy ;) Thanks for the uplift as always!

Unknown said...

I think this sort of explains why human beings are in a constant state of flux and change.

The irresponsible teenager gets a job.

The hard-handed father mellows with age.

Political views shift.

And so it goes ... "the courage zone" kind of explains that, and why a lot of us tend to look down on (not intentionally but inherently) those who are resistant to change.

Interesting stuff :-)!

Meredith said...

Yay for the courage zone! Thank you, Shannon--I needed this today.

Shari said...

Great quote! I like to stay in the comfort zone, but the chart is correct. We must plant our feet into the courage zone. This was an excellent reminder. Here's to SUCCESS!!

Carolyn V said...

I'm successful? Yes! *hand in fist, smiling into sky above*

Catherine Denton said...

Thanks Shannon, I needed this kick in the hiney today! Off to the discomfort zone now...

(Haha, Carolyn's funny)
My Blog

Mary Aalgaard said...

Thanks, Shannon. I'm feeling both. Uncomfortable out of the comfort zone, yet courage to move out there, and YES - SUCCESS!
Mary, a real-life playwright (it does seem like most of the good ones are dead. Like the Dead poets Society.) Looks like it's time for new life!!

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Man, that is so TRUE!! Think about how hard it is, how far out of your comfort zone it is, to query an agent! It takes guts. But it's the only way to success. Thanks for the inspiration, Shannon! Your'e always good for it!

Jacqueline Howett said...

Some of ones best writings are born this way!

nutschell said...

I love how inspiring this is. Perspective really does change everything. :P thanks for this post. glad i found your blog. new follower here!

Colene Murphy said...

What a lovely, uplifting post!! Definitely needed this encouragement!

Old Kitty said...

Thank you for a beautiful post!!! Be bold, be brave, take heart and hug and give yourself lots of pats on the back for a job well done!!!! I always think it's easier to find fault with oneself and harder to embrace success especially for insecure writerly types!

Take care
x

TerryLynnJohnson said...

In a world full of grumblers and pessimists, I LOVE coming to your blog for a burst of sunshine and positive vibes.

BK Mattingly said...

Ha! And congrats on yours!

Diane said...

Love your new picture btw! You are such an encourager and cheerleader. Thank you!!! :O)

Margo Kelly said...

Fantastic! :-)

Anonymous said...

Lovely positive post, especially since I'm subbing at the moment :)

Heather said...

I love that philosophy. Here's to success for all of us!

Patti Lacy said...

Every published writer I know will tell you the disappointments just morph into different creatures after the ink's on the contract.

I love this positive spin and love this positive blog! Have missed you!
Patti

Tracy Loewer said...

I can't really think of any personal successes that have come from staying in my comfort zone. I think that the more you put out there, the more you get back. Sometimes it takes a while, but it comes.

Charmaine Clancy said...

Can't I bring my comfort zone along with me? Or at least a snuggly blanket?

Jen said...

Great formula! If success is measured by being uncomfortable, then by golly, I'm the most successful person on the planet! ;)

Anonymous said...

lol! Thank you for this. What an inspirational post!

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

This is true not just for writers bt life in general

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