An article in Psychology today discusses the concept of the comfort zone and the challenges associated with stepping outside of it. If this intrigues you, please do read the article.
The Upside and the Downside of the Comfort Zone; Knowing when to stay in your comfort zone and when to leave it
Read the article here >
In summary…
Drawing inspiration from a scene in the movie “Papillon,” the author illustrates the overwhelming nature of taking a step beyond the familiar, emphasizing the tendency to go unconscious in the face of change. The comfort zone, often associated with complacency, is defended as a place where basic needs are met without excessive striving, offering safety and control.
However, Gregg Levoy acknowledges that staying in the comfort zone for too long may lead to a yearning for momentum and adventure.
He emphasizes the link between courage and the meaningfulness of change, suggesting that real courage arises when something becomes more important than fear, such as growth, healing, or sharing one’s gifts with the world.
Gregg advocates for challenges of “just manageable difficulty” to successfully step outside the comfort zone. I totally agree! Micros steps are sometimes best.
The article references Nobel Prize-winning chemist Ilya Prigogine’s theory that growth requires friction, and systems insulated from disturbance become stagnant. The imperatives of growth and learning encourage occasional disruption for progress.
The article concludes by providing signs that indicate when it’s time to step outside the comfort zone, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and commitment.
Thanks Greg for some great ideas!
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash