Did you know, “The possibility of extraordinary begins at the edge of comfort?” In fact, anyone can walk in comfort, but it takes courage and requires an entirely different mindset to live beyond what is comfortable. When I thought about this quote, it led me back to something I once wrote. Consider the process of learning to swim. In swimming, the instructor starts his student in the shallow end. This experience is meant to help the student become less fearful of the unknown, more knowledgeable and comfortable in the water, and at ease with swimming technique. In essence, a student’s time in the shallow end is designed to teach an important how-to lesson while simultaneously minimizing fear of launching into the deep. The shallow water is akin to ‘easy’ because a swimmer can reduce risk and difficulty by simply changing his position to a stand.

In life, just as in swimming, there are those who have not allowed themselves the gift of release from shallow water thinking. Shallow water thinking limits one’s imagination. It prevents you from moving beyond what is comfortable. It tempts you to continue with things that offer little challenge and stimulus for growth. It leaves room for fear and doubt and edges out courage. In fact, it discourages you from pushing yourself to the next level of performance. It disavows you of faith and champion thinking and certainly limits your ability to accomplish what is beyond your immediate reach. Shallow water is the place of comfort, and your time there should be limited. It is without a doubt an impediment to achieving purpose. Courage challenges you to release shallow. Your greatest accomplishment awaits just beyond your comfort zone.

Today I encourage you to move beyond the familiar and take a step toward the unfamiliar. Move in the direction of something larger than you – something that challenges you to dig deeper. There is much more inside of you than you know. Take a deep breath; march right up to the edge of your comfort zone and let go as if you are approaching the edge of a cliff prepared to jump. Do not allow fear to talk you into remaining in comfort. The parachute of life is bound to open. At that point, purpose is free to begin.