"There is great security in insecurity. We are wired and programmed to do what's safe and sensible. I don't think that's the way to go. I think you should try to slay dragons. I don't care how big the opponent is. We read about and admire the people who did things that were basically considered impossible. That's what makes the world a better place to live." - Bryan Callen

This is one of my all time favorite quotes. 

Comfort is the enemy to achievement.

Instead of staying comfortable, slay dragons. Do the impossible. Think exponential rather than incremental growth. Go big. 

What's stopping you? Often it's fear, doubt, uncertainty, lack of time or some other excuse.  

Before starting my first company, I had thought about the idea for years. But I failed to take action. I didn't have enough time. I wasn't sure if I had what it took. I didn't want to rock the boat at work. 

They were all excuses that were holding me back. 

Finally, I took some action launching an online curriculum publishing company. 

I wanted freedom. I wanted to have more than enough money to provide for my family. I wanted to build something awesome that made an impact in the world. 

After years of hustling, that business eventually grew to provide our family with an awesome lifestyle. 

But I had to put in the action. Over and over again.

In the beginning, I wanted to quit 100 times. But I just kept pushing through whatever resistance came my way.

The same will be true for you to succeed. 

Here are a few tips that you might find helpful:

First, identify the resistance to your goals. 

Is it fear, lack of experience, lack of money, uncertainty, doubt or something else?

Second, lean into it. 

Many people ignore or avoid the resistance, but it's the very thing needed for success. 

If it's fear, welcome it. What is it that you fear? Why do you fear it? 

If it's doubt, accept it with open arms. What is it exactly that you doubt? Why do you doubt it? Where's the doubt coming from? What do you need to feel certain?

If your comfortable, recognize it. Why are you comfortable? What do you want more than the comfort? If you continue to follow the predictable path, what will that do to you deep down?

Only when you accept the problem, adversity, fear, or doubt can you work with it or eliminate it so you can move forward.

Third, get comfortable with the resistance. 

When you're reaching for big goals, resistance in some form will come. It will be your constant friend. Once you reach a goal, it's time to set another one or you risk getting too comfortable. 

The way you grow is to continually move out of your comfort zone. Each time you do, you encounter more resistance.  

Successful people are comfortable with the tension. They experience problems, fear, obstacles, failure, etc.

But on some level they're comfortable with that tension and push through it. Over and over and over again. 

So, what dragon are you going to slay? 

What big goal are you going to achieve?

What huge mountain are you going to climb?

- Nick Diliberto, Pure Canvas Art