Comfort Zone

Rahul was frustrated as he did not like the situation around his life.

His wife Radha came to him and said, 'What happened?You face looks a bit long and red'.

'I am frustrated because I see a huge difference between what people think, say and do.It's like you can't trust anyone'. Rahul was visibly frustrated.

'Let me tell you a story Rahul! I think it will help you',Radha said.

'I am all ears' ,Rahul said.

Radha started the story.

A hippopotamus named Minku opened a shop at a corner  of the jungle.Few other animals joined him and thus a group was created.They hired some 30 animals to run the shop and a doe named Tintu to look after the animals. Tintu was hardworking.She was empathetic to the workers and usually stood up for their well being. As a result,every animal tried their best to run the shop to the best of their ability.Profit increased and was fairly distributed among the animals.This fair treatment made them happier and hence more productive.They were happy as they were productive, they were productive as they were happy.Years passed.The shop turned into well oiled machine.Everything was going nice.

As the cruel fate would have it,good times passed quickly. Tintu decided to move out of the jungle.Her absence was felt by one and all.

Minku and his partners decided to replace her.They hired a cat 🐈.Her name was Shifu.

She analyzed the situation and made a report.She gave it to  Minku and said, 'You are treating your workers like king!Why are you hell bent on spending so much for such shitty workers.Even if you pay them half of what you pay now, no one is going to leave.For some days,people will talk but after that everything will be back to normal.Speaking of talking,I suggest we should make a rule that no one is allowed to  talk in the shop.In this way,they will have no option but to keep quite and do their job'.

'Shifu! I earn because these animals work hard for me. Some of them are working here for years. Don't you think that mistreating will demotivate them and eventually will affect the revenue? 'Minku asked. 

Shifu widened her eyes.She looked Minku in disbelief and said, 'I have years of experience working at various shops way bigger that this. So when I tell you something,believe me.My words are biblical.I say that you should not worry about animals. There are plenty in the jungle.Even if somebody leaves,I will arrange you a replacement in no time.Also I want to highlight that the animals working here for years are most vulnerable because they feel comfortable here,which means it is more difficult for them to leave. Animals in general are not very courageous and you should use it to make more coins.Reduce their payments,increase the shift hours and threaten to throw away if someone dares to speak against you'.

'why are you doing this shifu?I like these animals' .Minku said as if it was her shop and he was the employee.

'Don't like animals,like money.Like only money and do anything to get more', Shifu shared her wisdom. 

'I seriously doubt everything you are saying.I think one bad decision will lead to the exit of all my valuable animals which I have gathered over the years.They are the backbone of my shop and you want to ruin everything', Minku said angrily. 

'You completely underestimate the power of comfort zone Minku! Once you get in,it takes a lot to come out.They would rather destroy their lives than coming out of it. The fear of not being comfortable far outweighs the glitters of future possibilities. I know that you won't believe a word I say until I prove it to you beyond any doubt.I will use a method I learnt when I was a human pet.Call for a meeting with all the workers tomorrow and tell them exactly what I will tell you now', Shifu concluded.

She gave a paper to Minku and explained him what she wanted to do.

Next day a meeting was called and when everyone came together, Minku spoke the words of Shifu.

'Dear Animals,for the sole purpose of your welfare, I have decided that from next month onwards, you all will have to donate a coin while coming inside the shop everyday.The money collected will be spent to get more facilities for you' .

Meeting ended and  animals discussed about the decision.Some found it clever whereas others found it absurd.Then of course there were some who were not sure.

The Buzz died soon and everything was back to normal.All the animals started putting a coin in the box before entering the shop.

After 3 months,Shifu came to Minku and asked,  'So, you have more money now and no one left. Its a perfect win'.

'You are right Shifu.I was a fool.Thanks for your brilliant idea 💡'.Minku said. 

'You one welcome!Now let's begin the step 2 of the experiment. Call for a meeting again tomorrow'.Shifu said.Once again she handed over a sheet to him.

The next meeting started and Minku said, 'Thank you for your overwhelming support, we are in better position than ever.Please believe me when I say that everything I do is only for your well-being. Its time to take a step further.I seek your support in giving a coin in the evening as well before leaving the shop for the day.Remember!Everything is for you and you only.If anyone have any problem, please come forward'.

Exactly 4 animals came forward and said that it was unfair to the workers. Shifu asked all 4 of them to meet her in the evening.

she said in the evening meet to the 4 animals,' How dare you question the decision of the management.Go home and never turn back. I don't want to see your smug faces again.Now get the hell out and let me think of some more brilliant idea for screwing everyone'.

With little agitation in the beginning,slowly but surely,everything settled.This was the new normal.The headcount was balanced within a week.Everyone started paying 2 coins per day.

3 more months passed. Shifu and Minku were together again.It was time for the third and final act of the experiment.A meeting was called again.

Minku spoke,' A very professional research conducted within our premises have shown that all of you are getting weaker with every passing day.As you know that the more physical strength you use,harder you get. Thus in order to build your strength,stamina and more importantly pain bearing capacity needed urgently in today's time, everyone of you will be flogged before entering the shop.We will hire a very powerful guerrilla for this job.Anyone having any problem with my decision may come forward.

No one come forward.Everyone was looking at each other's face but nobody was sure about the next set of steps. 

'I have a problem',said the Wolf 🐺. 'I think you should hire 2 guerrillas so that we could save some time'.

The new laws were finalized. The wolf was made responsible to oversee everything.

Guerrillas were hired.Flogging began as routine.In a year, life became hell.They felt trapped.One day, they all decided to meet an old Owl 🦉 for the guidance.Almost 30 percent were still reluctant and thought that nothing could be done.They were forced to come along.And of course there were some who were undecided.

'What happened next?What did the Owl suggest?' Rahul asked.

The Owl heard them very carefully and requested them to come a week later for his suggestions. Radha said.

Coming Out of comfort zone