This image “The Comfort Zone” image (Wisdom Trek) speaks volumes.
It shows our comfort zone as a familiar and safe space where we can follow our well-trodden patterns to minimize stress and risk. The problem is that if we want to grow as individuals we will need to step out of our comfort zone and accept that a certain amount of stress is unavoidable. At the same time, we should not over challenge our-self to the point where we become overly stressed since this will just cause our productivity to drop. Instead we want to find that mid-zone between comfort and danger, or in other words the middle zone of what is sometimes referred to as “optimal anxiety.” and where learning occurs.
The problem is that we automatically label stress, adversity and discomfort as negative, and we forget that it is through experiencing difficult circumstances that we grow. We label “stress,” “adversity,” and “discomfort” as negative, and so automatically tend to steer clear of anything that might cause these negative feelings. We may even find ways to numb ourselves from actually feeling when these negative circumstances cannot be avoided. This can result in our blaming the situation or the people involved as a during these times, and often react by blaming something or someone else for our plight.
By staying in our comfort zone we may find that we have labelled ourself as someone who does not enjoy, or who is not good at reading, playing an instrument or public speaking, for example. These mindsets then further entrench us into our comfort zone. By taking measured risks we learn that we can handle what we once thought was not possible.
We can begin breaking out of our comfort zone by choosing to do things that are physically uncomfortable. Examples include waking up earlier or exercising. Other strategies include keeping ourselves reminded of the benefits of sometimes leaving our comfort zones. Even doing one thing that somewhat scares us can help us progressively break free of the fear that holds us back from things we might otherwise love to do. As humans, we do not like feeling out of control. However, taking measured risks teaches us that we can be even more in control of our life.
