This article is helpful for those who are keen to step out of their comfort zone and willing to enter into a growth zone.
Everything begins when we restrict ourselves from engaging in new opportunities. There are a number of interesting things to do in life but most of us are afraid of coming out of the bubble of comfort.
Staying in comfort means we are satisfied with what we have and the possibility of growth doesn’t excite us!
Comfort zone is a new rival
What is a comfort zone? It is basically everything that is not letting you grow or grab new things as an individual. Nobody likes it but everybody has it inside. Although we have many competitors in life at every step, the biggest challenge is to fight with our own. One of the biggest ironies I think of is when we live life trying to stay comfortable. Life will send more and more discomfort, life gives struggles, issues, and resistance to handling. Those who overcome comfort can become achievers.
How to convert comfort into optimum development
Stepping out of the comfort zone is no rocket science but being within the comfort zone is something one needs to get rid of to achieve better growth in life. The best way to get out of your comfort zone is to try things that you have not done, create things you have not yet created.
Let me give you a simple tip that can help you to come out of your comfort zone. This activity has everything to cheer you up in life; it involves adventures, exploring new places, meeting people from different regions, risks, obstacles in it. This activity is popularly known as trekking and hiking.
Who doesn’t like the sense of freedom but would you compare freedom with getting comfortable?
Read the below and identify which point you can relate to life:
- Lack of decision-making power will always put you in trouble.
- If you are not a risk-taker then start taking it today and try with small steps.
- Being lazy and physical ease won’t allow you to leave comfort, a healthy mind and body are keys to growth.
- Afraid of mental slavery will only lead you to anxiety but once you emancipate you will see the world has a lot to offer.
- Fear of missing out on other opportunities is scary but once your objective is clear, nothing can be fear.
I am sure most of us know Kobe Bryant, he was a professional American basketball player given his 20 years in the NBA. I am not going to talk about the journey of his success instead, I would highlight the mindset of a winner.
Once Kobe was practicing in a gym before a match and another player from his opponent team walked in for practice. They both practiced for an hour or so but the other player came to the bench and watched Kobe practicing for more than 30 minutes. Kobe scored 40 points in that game and the Lakers won. Later after the game that player asked; “Hey Kobe, Why were you in the gym for so long?” Kobe replied – “because I saw you come in and I wanted you to know that it does not matter how hard you work, that I am willing to work harder than you.”
This story demonstrates the level of motivation he had on the court or outside the basketball court. First, identify your interest then aim for it and you will think, a comfort zone doesn’t exist.
Conclusion
The title of this article itself reveals, no matter how appealing a comfort zone might seem, it is not what is good for your development (personal and professional).
Life is full of various opportunities when you step outside your comfort zone. Holding on to these opportunities can be more difficult and you might not be aware of the reasons. After all, if we are comfortable in a setting that means all our needs are being taken care of, why would you want to abandon that?
This article makes it possible for you to shift your thinking – to push you forward and outside the comfort and into a personal development zone. It also takes courage to step out of the comfort zone, expanding a person’s ability to reach bigger heights (this means the growth zone).
It is also not a linear process and has its up-downs often complicating this journey. Disappointments and regrets come in the way, but it is up to the person to be receptive to opportunities.
References
White, Alasdair. (2009). From Comfort Zone to Performance Management.
