Verdict on the Comfort Zone
I have been returning to this concept of the comfort zone quite frequently in my life, both personally and professionally. The concept has been an intriguing one considering the theme of my experience lately has been one narrated by a sense of wandering, confusion, and quite honestly, some frustration. I have been occupying a space where I feel I have been limited and unable to provide my best work under the constraints of my current situation. As someone who specializes and prides them self on doing work directly related to enhancing mental performance and the processes of achieving excellence, this has been quite challenging for me. I thought it was best to reach out to several of my fellow colleagues and a few experienced professionals in the field as a means of helping me find perspective and guidance while I was navigating this experience. I kept returning to this notion of the “comfort zone” and how it influenced my thoughts and behaviors.
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 to pursue what excites them; 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 be always be frowned upon. In fact, I would argue that our comfort zones are very necessary 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. Identifying the benefits does not mean comfort zones are where an individual should reside though. I believe understanding when and how to use your comfort zone is the solution for managing the pros and cons of retaining one and allows comfort zones to be 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? Some may find comfort in things like the solitude of a good book or simply sitting with a cup of coffee in the morning. Some may find comfort in their relationships with friends, family, and significant others. For others, comfort can be found via a short walk around the block or a scenic hike. The point is, it doesn’t really matter what contributes to your comfort zone as long as you are able to identify it. 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, now it is important to consider when you turn to whatever it is your comfort zone consists of. 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 prefers or explicitly enjoys. Therefore, it is natural to want to avoid anything that may initiate or entertain the unenjoyable consequences, but some may need more of a presence of comfort in their lives than others, and that is okay. We are much more likely to venture forward when we know there is a safe space to return to. The more pressing topic related to when our comfort zones are used revolves around intentionality; it is important to be intentional about your comfort zone and the times you need it most because this will inform why you are using it.
3. How do you relate to 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 relate to it, meaning: How do you interact with your comfort zone? Do you tend to use it as a shelter to hide from hard things? Is it a shield of denial? Or is your comfort zone more a place to reset and recharge so that you can build up the necessary qualities needed to step outside of it and venture into the excitement and challenge of the unknown? Our comfort zones can either be used as a crutch or it can be used as a pitstop to check-in to from time to time as a means of recovering and refueling, but we still choose to continue making forward progress by pushing onto the parts we have yet to experience.
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 growth and change. Be honest and take time to understand how you use your comfort zone, then decide what action needs to be taken to improve that 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 by understanding what contributes to our comfort zones and developing awareness regarding how to use them, as well as when to leave them is the key to achieving 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.