Crushing the Comfort Zone

[Get Right]

I've been thinking (and researching) about comfort zones and how they can hinder your ability to grow as a person. There is also evidence that your business can stall/suffer if you stay in the comfort zone too long. My research is starting to convince me that pushing yourself and your business out of that zone could open some possibilities for unseen growth. As a secondary topic I am interested in how this relates to individual happiness. (I'm guessing that increased happiness might exist just outside of the comfort zone).

Although there is some research and opinions about this, I haven't really found a study that combines all these ideas into one thesis. So, I am going to create a real-life study/showcase and document it right here! And the guinea pig is going to be....well...me.

For this experiment I will be pushing 2 things out of the comfort zone. Those are:
1. myself personally
2. my spec-home business (thread below if you want to know more about that)

I will be documenting:
1. My mental state and hopefully any lasting changes (these my be hard to identify but I'll try).
2. Any change in the business. That can be financial/scale/ease/etc. Once I see some changes I will categorize them so we can track changes with some sort of metric.
3. My personal happiness. I took a baseline happiness test and will update it periodically.

Things I will be doing - finding all possible areas to push the comfort zone both personally and business. I will have to find most of these but you are certainly welcome to submit your ideas! These will be along the theme of:
1. Personal - Go to a float tank for 3 sessions. Several ways that pushes me out of the CZ but mainly I'm not too comfortable with the "lost in your head" scenario.
2. Business - Delegate stuff I normally do. This pushes me out of the CZ because I really like to do things myself. It's a perfection issue, so let's push it ha!

Things I will not be doing:
1. Cliff diving or taming Cobras. Not looking to die in some adrenaline rage.
2. Take serious risks to my health or my business. I'm not betting the house on red but I will push until I'm uncomfortable.
3. Faking CZ issues just to provide content. These studies are meant to push the CZ, inherently I'm not going to want to do them. Feel free to call me out on this.

So here we go! Feel free to comment, add suggestions, ask questions, join me, whatever floats your boat...out of your Comfort Zone!

 

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[Get Right]

CCZ #1 - Take a cold shower

Idea: Submitted by @Required and @MyNameIsMarcel
How this is uncomfortable: It's 42 degrees outside and this sounds absurd

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): (suggested by @amp0193) Level 1, I didn't have much time to think about it so I did the "jump in a cold pool" trick and just did it

How it went: As mentioned I turned the water on cold and just jumped in...and OMG was it cold. For the first seconds I couldn't breath. When I caught my breath I could only breath through my mouth. Guess my nose wasn't having it. The shock lasted less than a minute but yelling a few obscenities helped. After 3 minutes, everything was fine. I wasn't super cold or super uncomfortable. I stayed 7 minutes, my normal shower time.

Immediate Reaction(s): Once toweled off I found myself pacing for no good reason. My normal routine was also kind-of hard to do. I found myself doing things out of order like putting on clothes...then deodorant. My mental state was excitement and I felt full of energy (which is very unlike me, I'm a night owl).

Reactions after an hour: I walked outside and immediately noticed the sun warming me. Not much but I noticed it. I also didn't wear a jacket like normal in 42 degrees and I wasn't cold at all. I spoke to a stranger later and felt that I was more focused on the conversation. I didn't feel as hungry as usual and I had a hard time calming down up until the 2 hour mark.

Final Reaction: I stopped noticing any real difference around 5 hours afterwards.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 5, I will do this again.

Notes: This is a fun, easy way to get out of your CZ that most people can do. The immediate reactions were beneficial. I'm not sure there will be much of a long time result unless I continued the practice daily. I'm not sure about a longtime happiness increase but I certainly laughed a lot!

 

[amp0193]

As a secondary topic I am interested in how this relates to individual happiness. (I'm guessing that increased happiness might exist just outside of the comfort zone).

In my experience, pushing the comfort zone results in anxiety until the point at which the pushed limits become the new comfort zone.

At that point, I would say self-esteem or satisfaction is higher than it was before the push.


Following this thread... sounds interesting!

 

[Get Right]

CCZ #3 - Call a business competitor

Idea: Entrepreneur Magazine/ Random article I remembered
How this is uncomfortable: I mean, who would want to do that?!

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 2, The idea of this bothered me more than the task. What will he say? Would he laugh? Would he punch me? Once again I just committed to doing it.

How it went: I wanted to maximize this task. I wanted to push every boundary I could so....I actually met with him! No calls or emails, just went ahead and met in person. To make it more uncomfortable, I asked him to refer me some of his lower hanging fruit projects/clients. Ha!

Immediate Reaction(s): I felt like I controlled the situation! Much different than how I thought it would go. I want say I had a good time but it was tense! After the shock wore off (of both of us) and we let our guards down, we actually started to talk about our businesses. It got quite comfortable towards the end.

Reactions after an hour: Ain't going to lie. I felt like Superman. I felt like I could do just about anything.

Final Reaction: Oddly enough my confidence is still remaining very high. And that was yesterday.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 3, I would do this again, but not for the same reason.

Notes: Now for the fun part. My competitor subsequently told me that he is meeting with his partner to see how we can make a deal work. What a turn of events. From just stepping out of the CZ.

Eat the three foods you hate most.
Yell random things and do jumping jacks/push-ups in a crowded public space.

Added, thanks!

asking for a 10% discount at Starbucks

Also added, thank you!

Do you have a fear of heights?

I'm good there since I work at heights a lot. I'm not fond of moving around at heights though. I'll add the zip line though because it sounds uncomfortable from a "no control" aspect.

 

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[Get Right]

CCZ #2 - Get a Massage

Idea: Mine
How this is uncomfortable: I don't like strangers touching me (or so I thought)

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 3, Scheduling the massage the day before was the highest stressor. I had moments where I backed out of the booking portal. The morning of, it went down to a 2. Once again I just committed to doing it.

How it went: Thank goodness I found a great therapist! She could tell I was uncomfortable so she walked me through the process. Yes, I asked about underwear just because that was another uncomfortable thing to talk about. The place had a spa like feel with soft music and lots of smells from the eucalyptus family. The table was heated and comfy, I really liked the head holder thing. She started with my shoulders and funny thing was...it didn't bother me one bit! I tried to stay in the moment and only rarely did my thoughts leap to stupid stuff like did I clip my toenails. Near the end I forgot that I signed up for a foot massage also. I was really dreading this part. I mean, who wants to rub my feet! Oddly enough it ended up being one of my favorite parts.

Immediate Reaction(s): I felt taller leaving the spa for some reason. I had a little trouble focusing, like I needed lunch so I started driving with no real destination and just picked a place. Obviously my body felt pretty relaxed and my normal neck tension seamed relieved.

Reactions after an hour: It took about 2 hours for the focusing problem to clear. I just enjoyed the relaxed feeling and let it run its course.

Final Reaction: 4 hours later my body still feels relaxed. Mental state is clear with a extra side of chill.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 4, I would do this again, see the notes for why its not a 5

Notes: I can't believe I had built this up to be such a big deal. Although nice, it was kind of anti-climatic. Everything was just chill during the appointment. I can see where having a great therapist can make the difference.

 

[Get Right]

CCZ #5 - Ask for a discount!

Idea: @RazorCut
How this is uncomfortable: It's pretty easy to pay retail but what happens when you need to save some change? Will people think I'm cheap, forgot my wallet, maybe an a$$? Let's see!

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 1, How hard could it be to ask for a discount? Not anxious before but what will happen at the register? Moo-ha-ha!!

How it went: Ok, so I asked for discounts at 10 locations for this task. I didn't cherry pick either. I simply asked for a discount at the next 10 places I spent money at. Here is the list and results:

Lowe's (denied - The checkout lady was nice but no way she was giving me a discount. She said to come back after Christmas with a coupon. Easy ask though.)
Harbor Freight Tools (denied - This lady was a little more stern but told me to sign up for their catalogs with coupons in it)
Sherwin Williams Paint Store (denied - This one was weird because I'm in there a lot. The ask was more ignored than anything else. Pretty uncomfortable ask.)
Zaxby's (denied - Nice girl that just laughed. I laughed too, who cares at this point I'm getting shut down)
McDonald's (denied - Oh man this one hurt. I ordered breakfast standing next to a guy that looked homeless. I really did not want to ask in front of him. My emotions were all over the place so I held my head low and asked. The lady felt bad for me so she winked and asked if I was a police officer. I couldn't lie...Weird stares from the homeless guy...I bought his breakfast.)
Lowe's (again) (denied again - The cashier asked if I was military, couldn't lie again...)
Walmart gas station (denied - I mean who asks for a discount on a $1.29 bottle of water...I guess I do.)
Publix Grocery Store (denied - But with a smile)
Publix Liqour Store (SCORE - I got 20% off! Hot damn I was excited to save $10. Cashier thinks I'm crazy now btw.)
Threaded Fastners (hardware store) (denied - Guy just chuckled and rang up my order.)

Immediate Reaction(s): I was blown away by how hard it was to ask for a discount once you are at the counter. Anxiety ramped up in the 4 range almost every time. It wasn't even about the discount just the stark contrast to paying retail all the time.

Reactions after an hour: I'm glad this challenge is over. I found myself trying to cheat and skip a place because of the comfort thing. In fact I did skip one! I had some keys cut by an old couple downtown that have been cutting them for me for 20 years. $6 for 3 keys. No way I was asking them. I'll take that one on the chin every time.

Final Reaction: What a simple challenge that ended up turning my shopping upside down.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 2, I don't want to do this again unless there is some gain. It's just too uncomfortable and my success rate was really low.

Notes: This was a simple challenge with devil like details. Give it a shot and you'll know what I mean!

 

[MTF]

Wow, awesome thread! It's one of my favorite topics, so here are some ideas for you:

• fear of heights - if you have a fear of heights, try rock climbing, skydiving, or fly a hot-air balloon,
• travel solo - ideally go to an exotic country where everything is strange,
  
• fast for at least 24 hours - and if you want to push yourself, 48+ hours,
• afraid of water - try surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, etc.,
• if you're single - try speed dating or approach a girl somewhere in the public,
  
• sleep on the floor - just a good way to remember how comfortable a bed is,
• learn the basics of a foreign language - and go somewhere where you can use it and embarrass yourself with your poor skills,
• go barefoot in the public - in some countries it's super normal (I've been in Australia the past few weeks and I don't wear shoes at all here - it's pretty common), but I know that in the US in many places it's taboo,
• invest more than comfortable in a high-risk, high-reward business opportunity - a good way to think bigger by taking bigger risks,
• go to a nude beach - super awkward at first, but it's a VERY powerful way to expand your comfort zone,
• try wild camping - just make sure it's legal and maintain safety procedures if in bear country,
• try public speaking - the easiest way is to attend a local Toastmasters meeting,
  
• work on your endurance - do something that requires a lot of physical and mental endurance like running a marathon,
• learn how to dance - this is super weird if you can't dance at all,
• learn how to sing - same as above,
• maintain eye contact - when you catch somebody looking at you, maintain eye contact until they look away (ideally do this with a beautiful girl, not a ripped bodybuilder lol).

Thank you for starting this thread and posting your updates - I really enjoyed reading them and am looking forward to more reports.

 

[Get Right]

CCZ #4 - Eat 3 things I hate

Idea: @wade1mil
How this is uncomfortable: We get to pick our food most of the time. What would it be like to pick the opposite of what you like?

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 2, Not too much anxiety on this one because I just knew it was going to suck. I think the success of the last few CCZ's is making me less anxious about new challenges.

How it went: This task had several steps so the build up was intense. I started by finding the supermarket butcher and asking where the liver was. Super uncomfortable because it took 2 of them to find some. I thought even they were going to hurl. Next, you should have seen the look on the supermarket cashier's face... Beef liver, water chestnuts and grapefruit water. It's hard to even type. I cooked them on the grill because I wasn't having that smell in the house. Salt and pepper only. I added some onion and squash because guess what?! My kids did the challenge too!


Immediate Reaction(s): This absolutely turned my stomach...on so many levels. The grapefruit water was terrible. The water chestnuts tasted like a salt, vinegar apple. But nothing, I mean nothing would approach the sin of that liver. It was so bad It made the other items good! I found myself eating and drinking the other stuff just to avoid the liver. I kept fighting it though and got about half of it down.

Reactions after an hour: Stomach still churning. I keep telling myself "that liver was bad man" over and over.

Final Reaction: I hope there is no final reaction...but I wouldn't bet on it.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 1, No. I'm not doing this again.

Notes: This CCZ was pretty uncomfortable. Each step represented an opportunity to either give up or cheat. I just kept moving forward. I'm taking that as the lesson this time. Embrace the suck and just keep moving man!

 

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[Get Right]

CCZ #5 (ask for a discount)

This idea comes from @RazorCut !

Such a simple thing to do...or is it!? For this challenge I will be asking for a discount every time I buy something. McD's, asking for it. Gas station, asking for it. Bank fee, yep I'm asking for it. I'm going to make at least 10 "asks" before I report on this. I asked for 3 today and I can tell you, its pretty uncomfortable at some places.

So if someone asks you for a discount at your online store...its probably me.

 

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[Get Right]

Push social norms.

Great idea, added to the list. I can imagine a little anxiety with this one.

I'd challenge you to disconnect entirely for a window of time.

Another great idea, added to the list. Would be fun to see what finally breaks me to pick up the phone.

CCZ #3 - (Call a business competitor)
My next task is to call one of my competitors and see if there is an opportunity for collaboration or referrals. I got the idea from Entrepreneur Magazine. The article was about "getting out of your own way". The idea was our mind sometimes block paths to success. I coupled this with another article about low hanging fruit. My idea is to call a competitor and see if he has low hanging fruit that doesn't interest him. Should be super uncomfortable but worthwhile on a few different levels.

 

[amp0193]

Should be super uncomfortable but worthwhile on a few different levels.

While overseas last summer, I engaged with the owner of a European competitor of mine, who had thought of entering the U.S. market, but hadn't yet.

It was amazing how open he was about his business, let me tour his warehouse, showed me his new prototypes. I walked away with an offer to future discussion/collaboration on his U.S. efforts. If it's in a way that doesn't directly step on my toes, then I may be apt to provide some infrastructure/fulfillment/customer service for him. If he's going to enter the market somehow, it may as well be with me. Then I can keep an eye on what he's doing, and make some money off it too!

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

I think in a growing market, there can be more opportunity to be friendly. If company X increases the awareness of their products, they're increasing awareness of the niche as a whole. We're really helping each other out.

Good idea!

 

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[Get Right]

CCZ #4 (eat 3 things I hate)

This idea comes from @wade1mil !

Son of a bi$%& I don't want to do this one. Okay so I HATE:

1. Beef Liver
2. Water Chestnuts
3. LaCroix sparkling water (Coconut is the absolute worst)

So I'm going to make myself dinner tomorrow using all three. No cheating either, no breading or frying or covering it up with sauce. Just the ingredients and a few spices to accent the uggghhh flavors.

Not happy.

 

[ZCP]

@Get Right this may be the best thread on the forum right now.....

ask someone to dance

 

[amp0193]

So if someone asks you for a discount at your online store...its probably me.

We're all living vicariously through you right now @Get Right

 

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[Raoul Duke]

A few weeks ago I started doing push-ups. Not your stander push-up either.

Everytime I walk in or out of a door frame. I do 5 push-ups. 5 in. 5 out.

Have any idea how awkward that is? People looking at me like i'm crazy. And you, wonder why, you're still stuck in the same routine.

 

[Vigilante]

I've been thinking (and researching) about comfort zones and how they can hinder your ability to grow as a person. There is also evidence that your business can stall/suffer if you stay in the comfort zone too long. My research is starting to convince me that pushing yourself and your business out of that zone could open some possibilities for unseen growth. As a secondary topic I am interested in how this relates to individual happiness. (I'm guessing that increased happiness might exist just outside of the comfort zone).

Although there is some research and opinions about this, I haven't really found a study that combines all these ideas into one thesis. So, I am going to create a real-life study/showcase and document it right here! And the guinea pig is going to be....well...me.

For this experiment I will be pushing 2 things out of the comfort zone. Those are:
1. myself personally
2. my spec-home business (thread below if you want to know more about that)

I will be documenting:
1. My mental state and hopefully any lasting changes (these my be hard to identify but I'll try).
2. Any change in the business. That can be financial/scale/ease/etc. Once I see some changes I will categorize them so we can track changes with some sort of metric.
3. My personal happiness. I took a baseline happiness test and will update it periodically.

Things I will be doing - finding all possible areas to push the comfort zone both personally and business. I will have to find most of these but you are certainly welcome to submit your ideas! These will be along the theme of:
1. Personal - Go to a float tank for 3 sessions. Several ways that pushes me out of the CZ but mainly I'm not too comfortable with the "lost in your head" scenario.
2. Business - Delegate stuff I normally do. This pushes me out of the CZ because I really like to do things myself. It's a perfection issue, so let's push it ha!

Things I will not be doing:
1. Cliff diving or taming Cobras. Not looking to die in some adrenaline rage.
2. Take serious risks to my health or my business. I'm not betting the house on red but I will push until I'm uncomfortable.
3. Faking CZ issues just to provide content. These studies are meant to push the CZ, inherently I'm not going to want to do them. Feel free to call me out on this.

So here we go! Feel free to comment, add suggestions, ask questions, join me, whatever floats your boat...out of your Comfort Zone!

 

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[Get Right]

Hello Fastlaners, I hope you are crushing your comfort zones! I am keeping the momentum going but changing the format of my posts to save bandwidth, ha! I'll keep listing my CCZ's with an insight or 2. If you want more information on a particular one just ask!

CCZ#8 - Take a break from sugar - Well, I made it 6 days. I tripped up today without thinking. It shows how much sugar becomes a habit...and not a good one. I lost 3 pounds in those 6 days however.

CCZ#9 - Delegate an important work task - I gave this task to an employee just to see what would happen...and it turned out okay! This could have cost me a few grand if it was messed up. Instead, it freed up a few hours for me.

CCZ#10 - No coat Sunday - Could I make it a whole day without a coat? This one was actually fun since it was super windy and pretty cold for here (40ish). I used the mental toughness gained from the other CCZ's to push past the discomfort. I felt tough, like I could endure anything...even the awkward stares in the parking lot.

CCZ#11 - Hire another employee before absolutely necessary - This one is going to be pricey but a key to move my fastlane along. Job posting went up today.

CCZ#12 - Volunteer in the special needs community - Scheduled for February 8th.

 

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[Get Right]

Update time:

Completed:
CCZ#11 - Hire another employee before absolutely necessary - I hired another project superintendent even though I only needed a little more help. Good thing I did as I sold another house! The small amount of time freed up from the jobsite allowed me to take some extra steps in closing a deal I might normally have missed. I just put an ad up to hire another!

CCZ#12 - Volunteer in the special needs community - I volunteered to be a buddy at Tim Tebow's Night to Shine event. All I can say is wow! What an experience. The whole event was geared for the benefit of the special needs guests...but I think I got even more value out of it. It was super uncomfortable the whole time because I didn't really have any special needs experience.. This event forces you to not only be involved but to guaranty the happiness of your buddy/guest! My buddy left tired and happy from the event so I mark it as a success...and another comfort zone shattered.

CCZ#13 - Spend more than you are comfortable with - idea from @MTF - Ok, so I couldn't waste money so I decided to radically ramp up one of my typical donations to charity. I usually give $1,000 or so to this particular charity every year. So what amount of increase would make me squirm? I tested several different values in my mind until one number just scared me. $5,000. I'm not really even sure where the extra cash is going to come from. I just pledged it. I tasked myself (later) with coming up with a way to make that extra money. I bet I can do it, although the discomfort is real!!

New:
CCZ#14 - Take a vacation - Idea from @UnrealCreative - Is my fastlane ready for me to be absent for awhile? Can I ditch the phone for a few days? Am I comfortable enough to part ways with a few grand? Sounds uncomfortable!

Crush those CZ's fastlaners!!

 

[amp0193]

Idea:

Push social norms. Talk to people in situations where you normally wouldn't. Make eye-contact when you would normally stare at the ground. See someone solo at a restaurant and ask if you can sit with them.

 

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[Get Right]

@Get Right this may be the best thread on the forum right now.....

ask someone to dance

Added, this should be hilarious also.

Eat a Carolina reaper/ghost pepper and don't eat/drink anything for ten minutes

Added, but I know what those are! I will substitute a jalapeno with seeds though. It will be hot enough to be uncomfortable.

And a funeral

Added, I will have to be careful with this one.

Lay in a coffin filled with African Cockroaches!!

Done, I lived in a trailer for a few years. Pretty much the same.

 

[Get Right]

CCZ #6 Train for a Race

Idea: @MTF

How this is uncomfortable: This is an adventure into a world of unknowns. It's pretty uncomfortable to get out of bed and go running for sure.

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 3,

How it went: For some reason I woke up today (12/26/18) and said "Let's do that endurance training CCZ that @MTF suggested. My next thought was NO! It's cold and I'm super comfortable in bed. Heck it isn't even light out yet. And that's what I did. Nothing. And I felt bad about it. After feeling sorry for myself for an hour I just laced up my shoes and ran out the door. No plan. No route. Inappropriate clothing. I was going to be uncomfortable and I didn't care.

As I ran I asked myself how far should I go with my training today. I fell back on a book I'm reading (Can't Hurt Me). David said that our mind/body wants to quit at 40% of our potential. So I just ran until my 40%. I made it 1.58 miles without stopping or walking. And David was right, I had more in the tank. Roughly double when I gave up and sought the comfort of a chair.

Immediate Reaction(s): I felt good. I knew I pushed beyond my comfort zone but I was most happy with pushing my mental comfort zone. I kept telling myself I could go further...and I could. I felt powerful in both mind and body.

Reactions after an hour: I was surprised to find my energy level pretty high. I had a few things I wanted to do later that day. Instead, I finished them all then...in one hour.

Final Reaction: I kept telling myself it's not that big of a deal to just keep going. So I did. This stuck with me for tasks over the next few days. I understood the challenges as just challenges, nothing more.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 5, Absolutely. This could get addictive.

Notes: This was day 1 of my training for a local 5k. I "ran" this race (my one and only) 15 years ago. My time was somewhere around 36 minutes. Pretty embarrassing which is probably why I never ran again. For this challenge I'm considering a sub 30 minute 5k to be the slowest time to get me consistently out of my comfort zone. This race is in March 2019, I'll post some pictures!

 

[Get Right]

CCZ #7 Visit with someone you don't know at a nursing home

Idea: This idea came to me when visiting a relative in a care center.

How this is uncomfortable: Nursing home aren't a place most people visit to be comfortable. Strangers in that setting up the ante. There is also the real possibility they won't (or can't) talk to you.

Pre-Event Anxiety level (1-5): Level 4, I knew this was going to be tough.

How it went: I was visiting a relative in a care center that had multiple "wings". They had the PT department we were in, a retirement section and a dementia section. I decided to make it super uncomfortable and just go to the common areas to find someone to talk to. I stuck out like a sore thumb and stares came from everywhere. And they were intense stares. Like the kind that they don't look away...ever. I was in over my head and the anxiety rocketed up to a 4+.

For some reason I found myself sitting in an unused wheelchair. I later used that to approach other residents. It got me on their level and gave me some form of bond. But it wasn't all roses. I approached an elderly lady...ok she was super old. And she couldn't talk. Just nodded to my musings. I departed with a smile which she returned.

I decided this only partially counted so I made my way through the different departments making sure to inject a hello to everyone that I could. Most reciprocated but not much in the conversation department. I never got more than 2 sentences out of anybody but I felt like the exchange of smiles and niceties brought some brief happiness about to all of us.

Immediate Reaction(s): I wanted more. More conversation, more understanding, well more anything. And I wasn't going to get it. This was their turf and I was the odd man out.

Reactions after an hour: I bounced between sympathy, empathy and later respect. I had to fight hard not to let my judgment of their situation cloud the real things that were happening.

Final Reaction: Oddly enough I got real direct with myself about how I wanted my final years to look. Damn! This wasn't my idea when I accepted the challenge. I haven't made any declarations but the thought is out there.

Willingness to repeat (1-5): 2. Man, this is tough. I don't want to be that uncomfortable for that long of a time again. But, then again...I do. I feel like I'm missing out on a wealth of information. I feel like there is some philanthropy to do there. I don't know how this plays out but I will revisit this some day, some time.

Notes: This challenge has been the hardest to document. My emotions were all over the map as I am sure my writing can attest. I don't feel as much closure with this challenge as the others...maybe it takes a bit more time.

 

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[Get Right]

Completed!

CCZ#19 - Bench press my weight! - I've never been able to bench my weight. Mainly because I have the chest muscles of a small mouse. Coupled with a few injuries this has never been possible. It took 4 months of cutting weight and growing muscle but I did it! 162 lbs, no spotter.

I'm going to keep going with this CCZ. Who knows what the limit is.

 

[RazorCut]

Can confirm that this is scary as sh*t,
especially if you have a bad relationship with one.

Years ago a competitor on eBay called me up (about 5 businesses had gotten into a price war on a range of products but we had the lions share of sales due to positioning and price). He said he had called all the other businesses and they had all agreed if I would go along with it to raise their prices back to normal (we had the competitive advantage as we sourced directly from China while they purchased through the UK importers). Which meant that we we still making moderate profits while they were pretty much at break even. Which I was well aware of as we used the same UK importer for other items we didn't import so knew exactly what they were paying.

I remember thinking WTF? What a cheeky bastard when he called. But within 5 minutes of his call I really got to like him even though he had become a real pain in the arse trade wise. He often used to call me up just to chat about business, ideas he had about collaboration and basically life in general. I got to actually look forward to his calls.

In actual fact I thought about him yesterday and what he's doing these days (it's probably been 6 years since we last spoke). He certainly got out of his comfort zone and I admired him for the action he took.

 

[Get Right]

Ok, I have 5 discount asks now. I am starting to dread it a little more because I know the rejection ratio. Once again, I just do it...no matter how awkward it is. I can't wait to share the McD's ask.

 

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[amp0193]

Ok, I have 5 discount asks now. I am starting to dread it a little more because I know the rejection ratio. Once again, I just do it...no matter how awkward it is. I can't wait to share the McD's ask.

A supplier wanted me to place a $500 order, and then anything else I could drop ship from our site.

I had this thread in mind when I told him that cash was tight... can I just drop ship everything?

And he said yes!

 

[Get Right]

Merry Christmas my forum friends!!

I am crushing comfort zones left and right this holiday season! I hope you are too!!

 

[MTEE1985]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623366909/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

Started reading this last week. It’s amazing what humans are physically capable of doing yet we have conditioned ourselves into comfort/weaknesses.

 

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[Get Right]

CCZ #2 (Getting a massage) happens tomorrow!

I'm not a big fan of strangers touching me so this one will push me. In fact, I've never had a massage, manicure or pedicure, or anything related. I just don't like the idea. And I didn't wimp out, I signed up for the full hour...in a spa of all things.

I purposefully scheduled it a day out to maximize any anxiety build-up that might happen. I have a slight bit of trepidation as I type this.

Good grief, this is getting serious.

 

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[Get Right]

go barefoot in the public

invest more than comfortable in a high-risk, high-reward business opportunity

go to a nude beach

work on your endurance

maintain eye contact

Nice work @MTF ! I added these because I haven't done them and/or they make me cringe. Highest anxiety - nude beach. That one is going to be tough.