When we look back over the lessons taught by family, schools, and community, were we ever told that discomfort can lead to success and happiness? Beyond the Comfort Zone, written by entrepreneur, consultant and chartered accountant Clayton W.L. Mwaka, introduces readers to concepts that at first might feel strange-alien, in fact-and yet make sense. For example, Clayton's concept of bad comfort-our goal-oriented and often hedonistic society never looks at comfort as a negative, and yet the author puts forth a very good argument to support the idea that seeking comfort can lead us into traps, whereas good discomfort helps to guide us toward what we seek, which is a successful and rewarding life. The author explores how this paradox of comfort versus discomfort affects every aspect of being: spiritual growth, personal fulfillment, good health, and satisfaction in our social, family, and professional lives. Central to his premise is how we choose between comfort and discomfort, and the attitudes we have about accepting that some very uncomfortable situations can result in realizing our goals. An example is how we accept the challenges and stresses of hard work and study in order to realize academic success and, in turn, career achievement. Moving out of our predetermined comfort zones and into areas of discomfort will often result in an expanded awareness of ourselves, our environment, and the opportunities awaiting us. One of the fascinating paradoxes set forth by the author is this: When we are willing to discomfort ourselves, the result can be the discovery of true comfort; when we seek all that represents our concept of comfort, we often find ourselves in a world of discomfort. Work, home, friendship, love-so much is determined by the risks we are willing to take. With this guide, all is possible.
About the Author: Clayton W. L. Mwaka has worked as an accountant and organizational consultant. He is also a motivational speaker and author in addition to being an entrepreneur. He studied commerce with an emphasis in accounting, is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), and is a Certified Public Accountant of Uganda (CPAU). His work has taken him to various companies and groups in several sectors of the economy locally and internationally. In addition to performing various audits, taxation services, business advisory, and management consulting, Mwaka has lectured to students on a couple of business disciplines. He is a partner in Clayton & Company (CPA), Clay's Consulting (Organizational Consultants), as well as a partner and director of Gloryland Christian College (A government approved secondary school) in Jinja, Uganda. Clayton and his wife Elizabeth currently live in Jinja, Uganda with their three children.