Why We Need to Push Past Our Comfort Zones: A Guest Post from Go For No!'s Courage the Cat

My relationship with cats runs a bit "hot and cold," shall we say. That doesn't mean I don't respect the crafty felines for their tenacity and their savvy street skills (plus, I'm no dummy. It's not smart to disrespect someone who has claws and isn't afraid to use them!).

One of my sharpest friends is Courage, whose humans Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton wrote a wildly popular book and created a sales program called Go For No! It's about "failing your way to success" and teaches humans that they shouldn't let the word "no" stop them from their dreams.

Courage recently moved from the rainy Pacific Northwest to sunny Florida and has a lot to say about change and why it's good to get outside our comfort zones. Here's an update from my feline "friend" Courage the Cat:

I recently relocated to a new area of the country. It meant many days and nights in my cat carrier before finally arriving in our new home. As you can see I have made myself very comfortable. 

I will admit, however, that I was initially extremely nervous. I spent a few days under the bed when I first got here and even ignored my scratching post (I know, crazy, right?). But I quickly learned something about comfort. I was comfortable where I was, and then things changed. You can hide for a while, but eventually you've got to come out. And the more you spend time "out of your comfort zone" (from under the bed) you come to learn there is a whole new world to explore even if it makes you nervous at first. 

When you do take the time to embrace your new surroundings, the uncomfortable becomes comfortable. Now I love my home. It's a new, expanded comfort zone.  In fact, I have embraced this philosophy so much that I've even tried running out the front door! They stop me every time. But if you don't have anyone blocking you at the door, there's no excuse. Get out and expand your comfort zone. Who knows what amazing scratching post you may discover when you do?!

You can read more about Courage and the lessons he's taught Andrea and Richard in my book, Secrets of a Working Dog (pp. 79-80). I also recommend Go For No! which is a fun and inspirational read for anyone looking to create their own success. Heck, buy them both and you'll rule (not drool) over the world!

Woofs, wags (and meow),

Bella