Verdict on the Comfort Zone
Comfort zones typically carry a negative connotation and a generally disgraceful undertone. Comfort zones are referred to as the place where nothing is achieved, and stagnation is bred. While there is legitimate reason for these ideas, I don’t know that they capture the full concept of a comfort zone. Inevitably, there will always be times when individuals must be willing to leave their comfort zone behind if they want to pursue “greatness” in any given domain; this includes embracing the fear of uncertainty and accepting all of the consequences associated with taking risks (Crust & Keegan, 2010; Brown, 2008). The blessing and curse of life is that these moments, leaving the safety and security of our comfort zones, will be required at some point. However, I don’t believe that is to say that our comfort zones should always be frowned upon. In fact, I would argue that our comfort zones are serve a distinct purpose, and it’s not about whether or not we have them, rather it’s about how we use them.
There is a reason that people’s comfort zones exist and to shame them seems illogical to me. A more formal definition of a comfort zone is “…a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_zone). This description provides a more sensible interpretation of the concept, drawing attention to the benefits of having a comfort zone. While there are clear benefits to having a comfort zone, I’m not at all advocating that they should be where an individual resides. I believe understanding when and how to use your comfort zone is the solution for managing the pros and cons of having one; this is what allows comfort zones to be strategically utilized for enhancing performance. I want to illustrate how comfort zones can be used more productively by posing 3 questions:
1. What does your comfort zone consist of?
Awareness is key! Before diving into the details of when and how, it is critical to identify what your comfort zone consists of. Operating under the previously stated definition, what are the places, situations, and things that ease your stress and promote safety and security for you? For some, it’s falling into a predictable and consistent routine. For others, it may consist of finding ways to get a “break” from the demands of their days. It can also include your “go-to” people. It can include any and/or all of these components; there’s no right or wrong as long as you can identify what contributes to your comfort zone(s). As with any tool, you have to know what it is if you want to know how to maximize its effect.
2. When do you use your comfort zone?
Once you can identify what your comfort zone consists of, it’s important to consider when you tend to rely on it. How frequently do you return to the things that offer you an escape from stress, anxiety, and fear? As can be expected, these are all experiences nobody inherently enjoys. In a lot of ways, it’s natural to want to avoid the discomfort of those emotions. That said, we are much more likely to venture forward when we know there is a safe space to return to. It’s not about whether or not you have a comfort zone (because we all do), it’s all about the intent with which you use it. Do you use your comfort zone when you need it (e.g., recover, evaluate and assess, plan, adjust) or is it your mindless default?
3. How do you want to use your comfort zone?
Building off the understanding of what your comfort zone consists of and when you use it, the next is understanding how you want to use it. You have to make a clear and intentional decision if you want to optimize its function. Your comfort zone will become counterproductive if you use it as a shelter to hide from hard things or allow it to be a shield of denial. Your comfort zone becomes infinitely more useful when it’s your place to reevaluate, reset, and recharge so that you can take up the necessary qualities needed to step outside of it to meet the next challenge.
Your comfort zone can either be used as a crutch or it can be used as an intentional pitstop to check in with yourself and your approach from time to time.
Comfort zones are difficult to leave because they provide familiarity and reassurance that there is a space where our abilities remain unquestioned and our weaknesses or doubts are not as prominent in our minds.
What I’m saying is that I think it is important to maintain the space of your comfort zone, but to also make sure it is being used in a way that advocates for improvement and change when necessary. Have the courage to be honest and take time to understand how you use your comfort zone, then decide what action needs to be taken to improve its use.
Nobody likes to sit in a space of constant worry or defeat and the unavoidable challenges we face in life often lead us to those spaces, but if we can understand what contributes to our comfort zones and develop awareness about how to more effectively use them, we can also be more confident and courageous in deciding to leave them; this is what allows the continued evolution of the best version of you and all you are capable of.
“What is necessary to change a person is his awareness of himself.”
Author: Stephanie Hale
References:
Brown, M. (2008). Comfort zone: Model or metaphor?. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 12(1), 3-12.
Crust, L., & Keegan, R. (2010). Mental toughness and attitudes to risk-taking. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(3), 164-168.