Comfort Zone.
A phrase so overused it has become synonymous with the word ‘apathy’. There are good reasons for this. We have become accustomed to viewing our world and our place in it as sort of a reality show of strengths and weaknesses. If we are good at something, it is said, we should pursue it. Encourage it! Put our best foot forward.
Sometimes our best foot is the wrong foot.
When we focus only on our strengths we can refine them. A world class ballerina, bodybuilder or bowler must focus on little else than his or her craft in order to attain such greatness. These are narrow niches. If you want to be the best swimmer in a well defined pool you have to have talent, strength and focus.
However, when the challenge becomes more complex, the answer becomes more nuanced. The line between art and science becomes muddled. You can no longer focus on a well-defined discipline and hope to achieve greatness as those before you. What you need, usually, is a healthy dose of balance.
Pity the artist who does not understand business.
Pity the businessman who does not contemplate art.
Pity the athlete who does not read.
Pity the bookworm who does not sweat.
There is great value in the embracing the parade of opposites, doing that which you simply don’t do, embracing things you do not like. This is life. In order to fully understand art you must know business. On a more basic level, in order to fully appreciate joy you must, unfortunately, experience sorrow. These are the pairs of opposites that drive our lives.
Start by defining your passions, the things you love to do. List your talents, desires and skills.
Then ask,”What is the opposite of this?”
This will most likely be your hate list.
By doing what you hate, you actually liberate yourself to do what yo love, to do what you are.
Are you a wordsmith, unencumbered by numerical or financial idiosyncrasies? Watch a Khan Academy course on Algebra. Take an accounting class. Do Sudoku. This will not erase your love of language but rather enhance your ability to share it with the world.
Are you a technologist, A pure engineer kind of fearful of pursuing social relationships or speaking in front of groups? Join a local Toastmasters International club and become friends with a group of people who are eminently respectful and interested in your success as a leader and public speaker. This will not inhibit your technological talent but rather enable you to share your gift with the world.
The examples are too numerous, the challenge is yours.
Do what you hate and you can do what you love.
-WR
