According to Wikipedia, a COMFORT ZONE is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and (perceive they are) in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible. According to this definition, writing this blog and posting it for the world to see (if anyone looks) is a step outside of my comfort zone.
DOES STAYING IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE HAVE TO BE A BAD THING?
"The key to contentment," she writes, "is to live life to the fullest within the confines of your comfort zone. Stay in safe waters but plunge as deeply into them as possible. If you are good at something, do it a lot. If you are bad at something don't do it." This sounds like good advice, but who among us is good when they first start. Is it not practice that makes perfection?
Your comfort zone is a DANGEROUS place. It feels good, but getting too comfortable in it can stop you from improving. It can stop you from achieving all the things that you are capable of. After all, what great athlete got there without a few falls?
Are there things in your life that you are unhappy with?
If so, make a decision today to change something that you are unhappy about and start experiencing positive changes. Getting out of your comfort zone from time to time creates just enough good stress to ramp up your focus, creativity, pace and drive and it helps you respond to life stress when the unexpected happens.
LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Our comfort zones tend to shrink as we age, but if we can stay open to expanding them, we open ourselves up to greater fulfillment and joy as we age.
A couple of important last thoughts.
1. We can equate comfort zones with safety, contentment, connection, and predictability. Just make sure these states do not get confused with complacency, indifference and disengagement.
2. Stay put or edge out? How to decide? Will moving out of your comfort zone add value to your life? Is this something you are doing because you want to, or because someone else thinks you should?
3. Do we have to beat ourselves up if we enjoy being in our comfort zone?
One final thought.
Life is not a straight line. We hit plateaus. Sometimes we even go backwards. And sometimes it seems like we may never go forward again. There is no shame in needing and enjoying your comfort zone.
But then there are times when we feel confident and resilient. And it is during these times when you are ready to achieve the greatest that is within you, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone at least a little and let your light shine!
Stepping out of your comfort zone even once makes it easier and more likely that you will do it again! So if you have found this post, look for my next one. After all, practice makes perfect! Right?
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