Comfort Zones

Step out of your comfort zone they say!  And we all know (deep down) that that is where the magic happens!  And we all know what how nice our comfort zone feels.  It’s the place that includes everyday activities: habitual things, familiar people and places.

But where do we go when we take that brave step outside it?  What “zone” is that?  And is it safe?  Well, outside your comfort zone is your Stretch Zone.  This is the area of novelty, exploration and adventure. Here are the things that different, new.  Unfamiliar and definitely not habitual. It is uncomfortable.  But it is also stimulating. It is where we stretch and challenge ourselves mentally, emotionally or physically.  Things like changing schools, changing jobs, starting work, moving house, getting a promotion. 

But there is another zone too – the zone beyond the stretch zone. 

The Panic Zone!  As the name implied, this is where you become frozen with fear – the rabbit in the headlights.  Or perhaps you do your version of the ‘flappy hand dance’.  Either way it is the area of “things-to-be-avoided at all costs” either because they are unacceptable to you or because they just freak you out in some way! This zone is not a nice or even useful place to be. 

And what exists in each of these zones is different for different people.  It’s why some people will happily throw themselves out of a plane (with a parachute on obviously) all day long and why I absolutely will not!

Let’s explore your zones (if you’ll pardon the expression)!  I’m going to give you a list of activities and I’d like you to decide which of your zones: Comfort, Stretch or Panic, these activities take you to:

Ready?

            Being Alone

            Flying

            Heights

            Public Speaking

            Performing on Stage

            Moving House

            Crowds

            Holding a rat

            Holding a spider

So, did you find yourself moving from zone to zone or are you completely fearless?

The best thing about stepping into your stretch zone is that whatever you do there, if you continue to do it, becomes your new comfort zone.  Our comfort zone grows, not by staying in it, but by stepping out of it.

“If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.” ― Thomas Jefferson