We have all experienced trauma. My trauma has led to a deep desire for safety and security. I’ve done a lot of work on myself to smooth out the trauma, to un-charge it, making me more flexible, adaptable, and accepting of change.  However, I believe that most of us want some level of safety and security at our core.  

However, you know that saying—growth happens outside your comfort zone? It’s true. But getting outside our comfort zones is much easier said than done.  Let’s be honest: security provides stability and comfort, allowing us to feel safe and grounded. On the other hand, exploration and growth (what happens outside of our comfort zone) are essential for personal and professional development, pushing us to expand our horizons and achieve new heights.

To live a fulfilling and rewarding life, we must find a balance between these seemingly opposing forces. This blog explores how to strike this balance and its importance.

The Comfort of Security

Security is a fundamental human need. It encompasses everything from financial stability and job security to personal safety and emotional well-being. When we feel secure, we are more likely to experience peace of mind and less likely to be overwhelmed by anxiety and stress.   I want to explore some of the different aspects of security here. 

1. Financial Security: Having a stable income, savings, and a retirement plan ensures we can meet our basic needs and deal with emergencies.

2. Job Security: A stable job provides a sense of purpose and belonging, contributing to our well-being.

3. Personal Safety: Feeling safe in our environment allows us to focus on other areas without constant fear or worry.

4. Emotional Security: Strong relationships and a supportive social network provide emotional stability and a sense of belonging.

As I review this list, I am struck with the realization that the perception of security is often all we have.  And as someone who craved security, it is a wonder I married an entrepreneur and became one myself.  Then it makes sense … as an entrepreneur, I feel in control over my security.  So, while it may seem like I took a risk, I think I was attempting to control the story.  However, with that came a requirement to constantly get outside of that comfort zone, to keep pushing myself and grow.  Because if I don’t, all roads will lead to stagnation and a fear of taking risks, which are essential for growth.

Perhaps this is resonating with you, too!

The Need for Exploration and Growth

Exploration and growth are the driving forces behind personal and professional development. They push us out of our comfort zones, encourage us to take risks and help us discover new opportunities. Here are some key reasons why exploration and growth are essential:

1. Personal Development: Trying new things and challenging ourselves helps us develop new skills, gain confidence, and discover our true potential.

2. Professional Advancement: In the professional realm, growth often requires taking on new responsibilities, pursuing additional education, or changing careers.

3. Innovation and Creativity: Exploration fuels innovation and creativity, leading to new ideas and solutions that can transform our lives and the world around us.

4. Resilience and Adaptability: Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles builds resilience and adaptability, invaluable qualities in an ever-changing world.

Without exploration and growth, we risk becoming complacent and missing out on opportunities for advancement and fulfillment.  For an entrepreneur, this means a certain death of our businesses.  So, how do we balance safety/security and exploration/growth?

Finding the Balance

Achieving a balance between security and growth requires a thoughtful approach. It’s important to understand that risk is inherent in growth, but this doesn’t mean we should be reckless. Instead, we should aim to take calculated risks and carefully assess the potential benefits and drawbacks. Here are some strategies to help you find this balance:

1. Assess and Mitigate Risks

Assessing the risks involved before embarking on any new venture is crucial. This involves weighing the potential benefits against the possible downsides and determining how to mitigate those risks. For example, if you’re considering a career change, you might take steps to build your skills and network in the new field before making the leap. Planning ahead and taking precautions can reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.

2. Set Clear Goals and Plans

Setting clear, achievable goals is essential for balancing security and growth. Start by defining what security means to you and what areas of your life require stability. Then, identify your growth objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them. This plan should include both short-term and long-term goals, as well as actionable steps to reach them. Having a clear vision and plan ensures that you’re making progress without compromising your security.

3. Balance Your Time and Resources

Allocate your time and resources wisely to support your security needs and growth ambitions. This might involve setting aside a portion of your income for savings and investments while also investing in personal development activities like education, training, or travel. Similarly, you might divide your time between maintaining your current responsibilities and pursuing new opportunities. Striking this balance requires ongoing adjustment and prioritization, but it is key to achieving fulfillment.

4. Adopt a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Embracing this mindset encourages you to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than threats to your security. By maintaining a positive outlook and being open to new experiences, you can overcome obstacles and continue to evolve personally and professionally.

5. Build a Support Network

Having a strong support network is invaluable when balancing security and growth. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your aspirations and can offer guidance and advice when needed. This might include mentors, coaches, colleagues, friends, and family members. A supportive network can provide the emotional and practical assistance you need to take risks and confidently pursue your goals.

6. Reflect and Adjust

Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your strategies as needed. This involves evaluating what’s working and what isn’t and making changes to ensure that you’re staying on track. By being flexible and adaptable, you can navigate the complexities of balancing security and growth more effectively.

As I review this list, I am aware of how much I do to balance my need for safety as well as growth intentionally.  I plan annually and quarterly with my business partner/husband to help each other see the risks and build plans around the risks.  Planning involves understanding my resources and creating detailed plans to support them.  I use coaches and run Mastermind groups to build a network of people to support me.  I celebrate learning from challenges and have built-in review and adjusted the systems to almost everything I do.  

I realize I am better at getting outside of my comfort zone because I’ve built my safety nets. I still have more healing to do because I know I can push myself so much more than I am today. But the combination of healing and my built-in safety nets will help me fly. 

Conclusion

Balancing the desire for security with the need for exploration and growth is a dynamic and ongoing process. It’s about finding a way to feel stable and safe while also pushing yourself to reach new heights. By assessing risks, setting clear goals, balancing your time and resources, adopting a growth mindset, building a support network, and regularly reflecting on your progress, you can achieve this balance and live a fulfilling and rewarding life. Remember, security provides the foundation for growth, and growth fuels the excitement and innovation that make life truly meaningful. Embrace both aspects, and you’ll be well on your way to a balanced and fulfilling journey.

Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while
– take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable
if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot
more interesting. 

Edward Whitacre Jr.

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