The Comfort Zone
A comfort zone is often depicted as a circle. When you’re in the circle, you feel safe and at ease. When you leave the circle, you feel scared, vulnerable and uncomfortable. This is very normal and is the model of explanation that most of us are familiar with.
In reality, there are as many comfort zones as there are people. Billions! These will all take on different shapes throughout peoples lives as they grow and change. I see the comfort zone as something that is continually evolving - it’s shape dictated by the experiences we encounter.
It’s worth noting that we also have different comfort zones depending upon what we are doing. If we’re competing in a sport that we are very familiar with, we can be well within our comfort zone when, simultaneously, others might be struggling. It won’t take long before you find the areas in your life where your comfort zones are larger circles. This might be related to your work, your hobbies or your social life. I’m sure you have some area in your life that you feel confident in. That’s great. Well done.
What’s interesting though, is that it’s actually very easy for us to want to stay here and not explore the “dark and scary” area outside of our comfort zones. We’re all guilty of this and it’s something that we have to consciously work hard on to change.
Seeking out new and exciting challenges is the ultimate way to expand our comfort zones. By becoming a “jack of all trades” and trying/exploring as many different things as possible, we will broaden our horizons and change the shape of our comfort zones. This will help us to become even more confident in the areas that we are already comfortable in. Knowing that we can handle various situations is a very empowering feeling. Just look at Jason Bourne from the Bourne movies… Whatever comes his way, he can handle. This is the beauty of learning to function outside of our comfort zones.
Why not try and draw an actual picture of how your comfort zone looks? Maybe the area for public speaking is strong but fitness is weak. This can be a fun exercise to do and something that will make you really consider what it is in life that you find especially challenging.
Comfort zones were made to be left! This is where you will grow and really learn about who you are. So, say goodbye to familiarity and head out into the world of opportunity and adventure… See you there!
“All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.”