You probably learned it in high school.

Objects in motion tend to stay in motion.

Objects at rest tend to stay at rest.

The second part of Newton’s Law of Motion is the pesky one for me. When I’m in a warm bed on a cold day, I “tend” to stay at rest…under the covers. When I’m taking a hot shower, the hard thing is turning off the soothing water. I “tend” to want to just stay there, enjoying the warmth.

Guess what? This law also applies to us in leadership. We can easily get stuck at rest, in our comfort zone, tending to stay there when we should be moving forward. We are “warm and safe” there. No risk. No issue with failure.

“A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it’s built for.”

I love that quote, which has been attributed to many, from author John A. Shedd to Albert Einstein to Navy admirals. It speaks to us on several levels.

It is easy to stay in our comfort zone to avoid facing challenges and the potential for failure. But little is accomplished by staying in our safe harbor. Someone has said, “While staying in our comfort zones might be safe and easy, it prevents us from fulfilling our true potential and purpose, which often requires taking risks and facing challenges.”

God gives us a strong nudge to step out and fulfill our purpose. James’ words are a call to action, not safety:

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

James 1:22 NLT

When we get comfortable, we begin to fool ourselves. We become content with where we are and don’t want to push out for fear of storms, challenges, or even failure. God calls us to be better than that.

We should embrace the great potential for growth and success that lies beyond the comfort zone. Set sail, face the challenges and opportunities, and know the Lord is with you as you step out. Above all, don’t allow Newton’s law to keep you from fulfilling God’s assignment for you and those you lead. Don’t stay at rest in your comfort zone. That’s not what you were designed to do.

God’s best,