Breaking Through the Ceiling of Comfortability
Have you ever felt like you've hit a plateau in your success? I have. A few times. You’re not alone. As growth mindset ADHD Entrepreneurs, we constantly strive for growth and new challenges. Yet, sometimes, it feels like we've run headfirst into an invisible barrier. I want to share with you what my friend James Prince, founder and CEO of PRINDEN and ADGM in Abu Dhabi, calls the “Ceiling of Comfortability.”
Don’t feel like reading? Listen to the episode.
Understanding the Ceiling of Comfortability
A while back, James introduced me to the concept of the “ceiling of comfortability,” which resonated with me. While the ceiling of complexity—where things get too complicated and we feel stuck and a change is required to break through—is a familiar concept, the Ceiling of Comfortability is something many of us encounter but rarely recognize – if ever.
When we’re comfortable, it might seem like we've "made it." Our businesses are running smoothly, we’ve got a steady income, our company is growing at a steady pace, and our goals have been achieved. But here's the thing—comfortability can be even more dangerous than complexity. Comfort breeds complacency, and for us ADHD Entrepreneurs, that’s a slippery slope, if not a chasm of despair.
The Startup Phase vs. The Comfort Zone
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that when I first started my business, nothing was comfortable. I had little to work with, debts piling up, and a family to support. Despite the chaos, the excitement and energy were palpable. The startup phase forced me out of my comfort zone, which led to rapid growth and success.
But now, 17-18 years into my entrepreneurial journey, I find myself in a different place. My companies are doing well, my income is stable, and my lifestyle is great. Yet, it’s this very comfort that has become a new kind of ceiling. I’ve been grappling with whether to push beyond this comfort to pursue something new and exciting or stick with being comfortable.
The Danger of Comfort
James believes that hitting the ceiling of comfortability can be more perilous than facing complexity. When we’re aware of complexity, we know changes need to be made. As ADHD high achievers, we thrive on complexity. But comfort is sneaky—it convinces us that everything is fine when we might be stagnating.
Think of it this way: in business, there’s no standing still. You’re either moving forward or falling behind. Comfort can make you think you’re fine when you’re on a decline. For ADHD Entrepreneurs, maintaining momentum and pushing boundaries is crucial for minimizing boredom and keeping depression at bay.
The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma
The real danger of comfort is that it leads to boredom, and for ADHD Entrepreneurs, boredom is more dangerous than skydiving with an umbrella. My undiagnosed ADHD complicated my journey. I got bored with the steady, incremental growth and found myself creating problems just to stay engaged. I was putting out fires. Fires I created to keep my ADHD brain engaged. I was the arsonist believing the world around me was dumb.
James pointed out that entrepreneurs are wired for chaos. We thrive on challenges, and we create freedoms to carve our paths. However, reaching a stage of comfort can be like hitting a no-go zone. It’s crucial to have someone hold us accountable so we don't get stuck in this comfortable rut. You need someone to say, “it is time for you get out and start a new project or get us new work.”
Striking a Balance
James also touched on the idea that sometimes we need to “remove the good to open up the great.” This means making tough decisions to let go of what’s merely well to pursue something exceptional. It’s a difficult but necessary step for growth.
So, what about transitioning to a new venture? For example, while my engineering business is my comfort zone, I’ve been drawn towards podcasting and helping ADHD Entrepreneurs. This new path excites me but also terrifies me because it’s unfamiliar. Yet, it’s precisely this discomfort that signals growth. I am comfortable in engineering, and it therefore creates an inertia that I must overcome to transition to a new venture.
Moving Forward
Breaking through the ceiling of comfortability involves two key steps: self-awareness and accountability. It starts with understanding where you are and resetting your goals. What are you passionate about? What new challenges can you take on? What do you want to do now that brings you new energy?
For some, it might mean enhancing your current business model. Send out surveys, ask your clients how you can improve, or explore new technologies like AI. For others, it might be time to bring in new talent, or perhaps even step away and start something new.
Final Thoughts
As an ADHD Entrepreneur, staying within your comfort zone can dull your edge. We are at our best when we push boundaries, set “unachievable” goals, and chase dreams.
Remember that growth happens when you are outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s by innovating within your current business or pivoting to a new passion, the key is to keep moving! Moving forward!
Are you feeling too comfortable in your entrepreneurial journey? What changes can you make to challenge yourself and ignite that spark again?
Further Exploration
The ADHD Transformation Journey Program™ will be launching soon! Clients have shared how it’s changing their lives. Curious? Visit our website for more details.
Overcome time blindness by downloading The Sh!t List™, my free weekly planning tool to help focus your time.
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