Are you finding it to be tough to get started in a new venture? Are you working out enough or have you put it off completely?

As weve discussed in prior engagements, the mind only truly reacts to either intense pleasure or intense pain. Feeling one of these two emotions will get you to make a change in your life instantly.

Think about it, are you in a "comfort zone"? Have you though about making some changes but life is too comfortable right now?

We see it in many instances but the most prevalent, I think, revolve around relationships and personal growth. How many people do you know that are in stale relationships but won't move on because of the comfort level? How many have talked about new business ventures or making more money only to stave off because of the comfortable life they have at the moment.

Remember, growth only occurs when our mental boundaries expand. If something you haven't done makes you a little uncomfortable (not scares the heck out of you), just think about the positive impact on life the new thing brings to you. Try to push yourself each day. Try to conquer, yes conquer, something new everyday.

The easiest way to accomplish this is through visualization.

What are some of your personal hot buttons? What is the worst thing that could possibly happen to you?

Lets suppose that being a loser is high on your totem pole of worst possible things. If you want to lose weight, just say to yourself when you need an extra push, Only LOSERS are overweight. I am not a loser; therefore, Ill go to the gym today.

Of course, this represents a generic example. Other examples could be instances where youve seen something very disturbing (like a ruined heart on TV). You can then use that to influence you. You obviously dont want your heart to look like that, do you?

You can also use positive experiences to help.

Suppose you were in the best shape of your life in college and there was one particular spring break trip that you remember vividly. Lets just say you had a great time. If you are looking to get back into that type of shape, just continually reflect on that particular time of your life whenever your motivation subsides.

These examples are completely fabricated but you can definitely understand where Im coming from.

The "Comfort Zone" may be the worst place to be. Some may argue, in the case of personal growth, that rock bottom may be a better place. The pain that a person can feel when they are this low will push many people to go places theyve never dreamed, simply because now they feel like they have nothing to lose.

In order to break out of your Comfort Zone and see some meaningful changes, employ the pleasure-pain technique. If the pleasure or pain you associate with the situation is great enough the results are only a thought away.