Are You in Your Comfort Zone or Your Compliance Zone?

By Brian Maynor

 

Picture it:  you walk into the office feeling confident, secure and score another productive day crossing off tasks and feeling comfortable in your role and career.

That sounds like a pretty good situation, but what if we were staying in that comfort zone not because we wanted to, but because we felt we should?

Most of the advice we receive on choosing a career path tends to center around ‘good’ or ‘stable’ jobs that are intended to provide this sense of comfort and security, but do we tend to cave into expectations for such an important part of our lives too willingly?

Whether it’s from culture, community, family, or self-imposed, over time the weight of what we ‘should be doing’ can become so immense that it manifests and we assume the role, attitude and other attributes associated with it and bury some of ourselves.

Here is a quick and easy 3-step process to figure out if you’re actually in your comfort zone or your compliant zone:

1.    Focus.  When we self-assess we tend to take a broad and sweeping view of our lives and what makes us happy or unhappy, but that isn’t going to help you here.  Instead find or choose one specific thing to analyze.

2.    Inventory.  Write down the first things that pop into your mind when you think about what excites or inspires you.  Don’t forget to include your personal values.  These are just as important as your passions when it comes to motivation.

3.    Compare.  Now take your list and apply it to that one specific area you chose to question.  Aside from the tasks we simply have to do that we may not like, do the two line up?  If so, then this is most likely your comfort zone.  If not, then you’re probably in a compliance zone.

On a base level, compliance is an inherent part of the professional world, but when that compliance continuously supersedes personal values or drives, then it’s time to consider making a dramatic change and step outside your compliant zone.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.